The acreage devoted to Demeter-certified production continues to expand every year, as does the demand for products grown under biodynamic agriculture; but what does this model of agriculture consist of?
The origins of anthroposophy, a true philosophy, go back a century, when the Austrian Rudolph Steiner developed the foundations of a model - still in force today - that considers plants, animals and human beings as a whole under the influence of cosmic rhythms and the stars.
And in Seville, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Citran has started its citrus campaign, in which it will achieve a considerable increase in the volumes grown with biodynamic and Demeter-certified methods.
"Citran is a SAT (Agrarian Transformation Society) and, at the same time, an OPFH (Fruit and Vegetable Producers Organization) formed by 9 families that cultivate 1,300 hectares, with 94% of that acreage devoted to citrus", said Juan Francisco Ruiz, the CEO of the company that, in recent years, has recorded a 35% growth. "In 2020, we learned about biodynamic agriculture and were fascinated by it, and we managed to certify the warehouse and part of our farms under Demeter; in other words, we are Demeter producers, processors and distributors."
"Today we have 20 certified hectares and 50 more being converted to biodynamic agriculture, in addition to 100 hectares certified organic. The rest, although conventional, is cultivated striving towards zero waste," said Juan Francisco. "We make use of auxiliary insects to deal with pests and we promote biodiversity in the orchards with natural hedges, aromatic plants in combination with spontaneous vegetation, as well as with insect hotels or bird roosts."
"With the implementation of agroclimatic stations we have managed to reduce the use of water and fertilizers by 30%, and this is very important in this time of drought," said Juan Francisco (on the photo). "Climate change is evident and we have to prepare ourselves, as very difficult times are coming. This year, irrigation communities have been granted allocations of 1,800 m³ per hectare to irrigate citrus, when each hectare requires 4,000 m³. The difference has had to be made up with support wells, and the increase in costs has been exorbitant."
"However, the fact that water is available has attracted vegetable growers from other areas that no longer have a supply, searching lands in the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir for the planting of vegetables such as broccoli."
"Many people are amazed about the fact that pigmented oranges are grown in Seville"
Citran, which last year produced 37 million kilos of fruit, exports 80% of its production to destinations in Europe, Canada and the Emirates. "We have chosen to stand out in our area, which is eminently citrus-growing, with the replanting of new varieties adapted to consumer demands, introducing a wider range of citrus fruits, such as pigmented oranges. From December to June we will produce 1.5 million kilos of different varieties like the Cara Cara, Sanguinelli, Kirkwood or Valencia Rubí. The funny thing is, many people are amazed about the fact that pigmented oranges are grown in Seville."
"We also produce grapefruit and limes. In fact, ours are the freshest limes available right now in the market, as most of the supply comes from overseas and it takes weeks from the time they are grown until they reach the supermarkets."
"As for biodynamic production, we expect to reach around 800 tons. The campaign will start a little later than the conventional one, in November, because it is a fruit that cannot be degreened. The Demeter fruit market is a smaller market. Our main customers are in Germany and the Nordic countries, but with much higher prices. You have to keep in mind that when you buy a Demeter orange, you are not buying just any fruit, you are buying a story."
Collaboration with the Ana Bella Foundation 
The Brenes-based firm is currently certifying its water and carbon footprint through Agrocolor. "As regards energy, the installation of solar panels has allowed us to produce 35% of the power we consume, while avoiding the emission of 140 t of CO₂ per year, equivalent to planting 280 trees."
"We are very proud of our partnership with the Ana Bella Foundation for abused women, with which we have an agreement for the labor reinsertion of victims at risk of social exclusion. We are very happy, because we have been able to identify and help female workers who were suffering abuse thanks to the Foundation."
For more information:
Cítricos Andaluces S.A.T
Ctra. Camino del Bodegón de las Cañas, KM.1
41310 Brenes, Seville. Spain
Tel.: +34955031250
comercial@citransat.com
https://citransat.es