Sustainable agriculture and its importance

Humans depend on intact ecosystems. It is therefore essential to farm in a way that preserves these systems. However, currently, farming still often harms soil, animals and plants and contributes to climate change.

Healthy agriculture: Agriculture means humans influencing their environment to produce food. These influences must remain healthy for both humans and nature. Healthy ecosystems start with healthy soil, rich in carbon and life. This soil can cultivate a dynamic coexistence of plants and animals, creating a resilient, productive and sustainable farming ecosystem.

Regenerative olive cultivation: In times of climate change, regenerative olive cultivation offers great opportunities. However, many parts of Greece are cultivated in 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.

Increasing olive oil consumption: Global olive oil consumption is increasing, but this does not mean that sufficient financial resources are reaching smallholder farms. Our goal is to shape olive cultivation in such a way that ecosystems remain healthy. This work begins in the social sphere, in exchange with local farmers. They should retain control over their land and become aware of their responsibility.

Cooperation and training: We encourage exchange, offer support and work together to find ways to make olive cultivation sustainable. We use techniques from regenerative agriculture and permaculture to create sustainable cultivation systems that can be passed on to future generations.

Fair pay 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 exchanges, knowledge transfer and a variety of workshop programs to implement sustainable cultivation methods.

Soil health: The most important aspect remains revitalizing the soil 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.