Andalusia is the Spanish region with the largest acreage devoted to almond trees and a world power in the production of organic almonds, and thanks to the support of the Dutch foundation Commonland and the local association AlVelAl, it is also one of the few regions in the world where almonds are grown under the innovative concept of regenerative organic farming.
Almond trees in bloom (2022)
"The project was launched by a group of producers from Almeria, Granada and Murcia in the regions of the Altiplano of Granada, Los Vélez and Alto Almanzora, as they were concerned about the threats of climate change, soil degradation, desertification and depopulation. They did so with the support of Commonland and the AlVelAl association," says Pablo García, of Almendrehesa.
"This Dutch foundation is devoted to restoring landscapes around the world by applying its philosophy in productive, urban and forestry areas, with a 4 Returns model: the return of natural capital to landscapes, the return of social capital to rural areas, the return of inspiration; that is, of becoming an example and inspiration to start up similar projects, and the return of financial capital to agricultural producers with products of the highest quality."
Project's partners.
"The company Almendrehesa was created to this end in 2016. The goal was to promote the value and facilitate the marketing of the production of regenerative organic crops from partner farmers and project collaborators, who are helping build a sustainable almond sector in the Altiplano," says Pablo.
"Almond trees are a major crop in the area; the most widespread, in fact, as they are well adapted to the dry conditions of these regions, and thanks to regenerative organic farming, it has become possible to offer profitability to those farms that are unable to implement intensive systems," says Pablo Garcia.
"All our producers must be certified organic and comply with a series of conditions to achieve the regeneration of the land on which they cultivate their almond trees, protecting it from erosion, preserving natural resources and promoting biodiversity. This is where they produce our Pepita de Oro almonds."
Pepita de Oro
The premium rainfed almond from regenerative organic farming marketed by Almendrehesa is highly appreciated, especially in Central European markets, where it is exported, says Pablo. "From the beginning, we have taken care not only of sustainability, but also of the quality of our products, which are especially selected for the snack segment. We use ecological and compostable packaging, and we guarantee the traceability of our nuts at all times, providing all the information about their production to our customers."
Almendrehesa products.
"Our goal is to offer consumers a quality almond, but also higher returns for the producers who have opted for regenerative agriculture, allowing them to continue investing in their farms."
"That is why our Pepita de Oro almonds are targeted to any market that appreciates our initiative and the philosophy behind it. Our project is constantly growing, so we are always looking for partners, both farmers interested in joining the project and markets for our products."
For more information:
Pablo García
Almendrehesa
Tel. +34 950 032 373
https://almendrehesa.es