Regenerative Apples & Pears, Spain

This project redefines apple and pear farming in Spain, focusing on healthier soil, smarter water use, richer biodiversity, and increased carbon capture. Covering a total of over 12 hectares across two pilot farms with 7,950 trees, the global food producer Hero Group, in collaboration with reNature, aims to develop a replicable model for regenerative agriculture that addresses critical environmental and economic challenges faced by Spain’s agricultural community. “We are delighted to leverage our enduring partnerships with our dedicated farmers to create a meaningful and positive impact” says Caroline Dupuy, Head of Procurement Ingredients at the Hero Group.

Tailoring Enhanced Soil Health and Plant Resilience

The regenerative approach emphasizes soil restoration and strengthening plant health through customized strategies. These include a thorough analysis of soil conditions on both model farms, followed by corrective measures tailored to address nutrient imbalances and enhance soil structure. By minimizing chemical inputs, the approach restores the soil’s natural fertility and reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers and phytosanitary products, supporting long term environmental sustainability.

Optimizing Fertilization and Water Conservation

Precision agriculture underpins this initiative. The regional expert has designed fertilization and foliar application strategies based on each farm’s unique needs. Furthermore, the project incorporates innovative water management techniques, such as installing soil moisture sensors, to optimize irrigation and maintain ideal moisture levels, even in water scarce regions. This shift aims to prevent over-irrigation, conserve water resources, and bolster plant resilience against climate challenges.

Building Capacity and Community Engagement

A cornerstone of this project is community engagement and farmer empowerment. We have provided farmers with the knowledge and tools to adopt regenerative methods effectively through regular workshops, technical training, and tailored farm visits. This hands on support builds confidence in farmers, enabling them to implement these practices and contribute to the model’s potential scalability across Spain. Our all time “farmer first” approach also manifests here, with the learning process being collaborative, meaning we also learn a lot from the farmers.

Measuring Biodiversity and Carbon Sequestration

The Cool Farm Tool measures the initiative’s impact on biodiversity, soil carbon, and water efficiency. Techniques like maintaining permanent soil cover and reducing synthetic inputs foster biodiversity rich ecosystems, which enhance crop resilience. Additionally, by improving water retention in the soil and reducing erosion, this project aligns with broader environmental goals, setting the stage for sustainable, resilient farming systems.

Paving the Way for Scalable Sustainable Agriculture

“This project is more than an agricultural experiment; it’s a blueprint for a sustainable future in farming.” says Julia Schäfer, Sustainability Manager at the Hero Group. The project’s emphasis on knowledge sharing, sustainable practices, and community empowerment ensures its impact extends beyond the pilot farms. The vision of sustainable agriculture, developed in partnership with the Hero Group, the regional experts, and the farmers, holds promise for Spain’s agricultural landscape, promoting ecological balance, economic resilience, and a thriving farming community.