Permaculture
Our answer to climate change.

Organic is good, but no longer sufficient. The permaculture guidelines of the “Gesellschaft für Permakultur in der Landwirtschaft e.V.” address the effects of climate change.

With permaculture we try to understand nature better, to recognize and apply its principles. The focus is on promoting a diversity of plants and animals that support each other and thus optimize production and at the same time make a positive contribution to the climate. In mixed culture, plants use e.g. different root areas and pests can spread less well.

Hedges serve for wind protection and give shelter to a large variety of beneficial insects. A particularly important point to us is an intact soil condition with healthy microorganisms and the increase of soil fertility. Necessary requirements are the formation of humus and permanent plant coverage with vital roots.

In times of climate change, droughts and natural disasters, permaculture can be an approach to ensure that the population can be fed in the long term.

Permaculture adds these important dimensions to the organic association`s approach:

  • Measures against climate change
  • Cultivation modeled by the example of nature
  • Conservation of biodiversity
  • Water-saving methods
  • Avoidance of erosion
  • Social responsibility


The four pillars of permaculture

Circular economy, biodiversity, saving ressources and social responsibility are briefly explained


Circular economy

  • Organic certification
  • Closed-loop, without non-economic substances
  • Use renewable energy whenever possible
  • Use of own stored water

Biodiversity

  • Functional mixed culture
  • Livestock farming
  • Meadows, forests and hedges
  • Promotion of beneficial insects
  • Organic seeds and open-pollinated varieties
  • Ground cover by wild herbs and mulch

Saving ressources

  • Water retention basin
  • Saving water through mulching, drip irrigation, ridge crops, ground shading
  • Avoidance of soil compaction
  • Soil loosening through green manure
  • Surface composting and humus production
  • Keylines / Terrace farming

Social responsibility

  • Regular training and further education of employees
  • Exchange of knowledge with the general population
  • Equal treatment / no discrimination
  • Fair wages and a solidarity pricing system
  • Support for families and social projects on site

Together with the “Gesellschaft für Permakultur in der Landwirtschaft e.V.”, we are working to advance the permaculture cultivation method, bring it closer to our producers and get more and more farmers enthusiastic about it.


„Permaculture is the creation of agricultural paradises. This is the natural future for our planet, our children and us!“


(Friedrich Lehmann)

 

 

We are not only traders but also producers. On our fincas in Andalusia, Spain, we grow according to Demeter and permaculture guidelines. Due to the immediate proximity we are able to optimally identify with the product and to receive our knowledge directly from nature. Therefore we are empathetic traders and our producers benefit directly from our own experience and research.

 

Finca Jelanisol

Location of the finca: Gibraleón

Takeover of the finca: 1992 (originally untouched wildland)

Research focus: microorganisms

Cultivated area: 50 ha

Production basis: Demeter (biodynamic agriculture) & permaculture

Since 1992 we have been growing fruits and vegetables on the Finca Jelanisol in Spain. The 50-hectare area produces exclusively with permaculture and biodynamic agriculture standards. We work on the constant research of those microorganisms, which increase soil fertility. Therefore the Finca Jelanisol serves as a role model for people worldwide. In the company’s own research facilities workshops are offered regularly to student groups or representatives from universities, producers and retailer. It offers deep insight into permaculture and invites visitors to enter a world of colorful diversity.

Finca Terra Rica

Location: El Granada

Takeover of the finca: 2014 (before entirely organic!)

Research focus: organic agriculture according to permaculture

Cultivated area: 85 ha (160 ha including natural forest)

Production basis: currently Demeter (biodynamic agriculture) in conversion to permaculture

Finca Terra Rica was acquired in 2014 and is in the process of converting from organic agriculture to pure permaculture cultivation. The 85 hectares of cultivation area are Demeter-certified which means that biodynamic agriculture is practiced. On the finca crops such as oranges, lemons, limes, persimmons, pomegranates, olives, clementine’s, pistachios and almonds are grown. The finca includes a natural forest area which expands its entire area to 160 hectares. Terra Rica is also used for research in organic agriculture according to permaculture guidelines.