Sustainable agriculture and its importance
People depend on intact ecosystems. It is therefore essential that agriculture is practiced in a way that preserves these systems. Currently, however, agriculture still often harms the soil, animals and plants and promotes climate change.
: Agriculture means that humans influence their environment in order to produce food. These influences must remain healthy for both humans and nature. Healthy ecosystems start with healthy soil that is rich in carbon and life. On this soil, a dynamic coexistence of plants and animals can be cultivated, creating a resilient, productive and sustainable growing ecosystem.
Regenerative olive cultivation: In times of climate change, regenerative olive cultivation offers great opportunities. In many parts of Greece, however, olives are grown as a monoculture. Large parts of the Peloponnese are covered with genetically identical olive trees. Pesticide-free cultivation is difficult without fertile soil, which is why regenerative approaches that promote soil health are necessary. However, there is often a lack of financial resources and know-how to implement these approaches.
Rising olive oil consumption: Global olive oil consumption is increasing, but this does not mean that sufficient financial resources are reaching the smallholder farms. Our aim is to shape olive cultivation in such a way that the ecosystems remain healthy. This work begins in the social sphere, in exchange with the local farmers. We want them to retain control over their land and become aware of their responsibility.
Cooperation and training: We promote exchange, offer support and work together to find ways to make olive cultivation sustainable. We rely on techniques from regenerative agriculture and permaculture to create sustainable cultivation systems that can be passed on to future generations.
Fair payment and prospects: In order to combat climate change in olive cultivation, we are committed to fair payment and sustainable wages. Long-term prospects for farmers include regular exchange, knowledge transfer and a variety of workshop programs to implement sustainable cultivation methods.
Soil health: The most important aspect remains the revitalization of the soil in order to store carbon from the atmosphere in the soil through plant growth. This is a key step in combating climate change and creating a sustainable agricultural system.
Through these measures, we are helping to ensure that agriculture becomes ecologically and economically sustainable and that people can continue to benefit from the valuable functions of intact ecosystems.