Saving agriculture in Spain with regenerative farming practices (Alfonso Chico de Guzman - La Junquera)

Since taking over his family farm, Alfonso Chico de Guzman has transformed La Junquera 🇪🇸 into one of the largest regenerative farms in Europe. Climate change is already pushing the Spanish agricultural system to its limits, and Alfonso is leading the way in showing that regenerative agriculture can make farms far more resilient. 

🌍 Transitioning to Regenerative Agriculture:

Alfonso's journey from traditional to regenerative practices is a testament to his commitment to sustainable farming. He shares insights into how La Junquera has evolved, highlighting the farm's successful strategies to combat soil erosion and significantly enhance soil organic carbon levels within just six years. This shift not only revitalizes the land but also strengthens its resilience against the escalating impacts of climate change on Spanish agriculture.

💧 Innovations in Water Management and Climate Resilience:

La Junquera's introduction of 100 ponds and 14 kilometers of swales stands as a monumental effort to buffer the farm against Spain's increasingly arid conditions. These water management techniques are crucial in fostering biodiversity, enhancing soil moisture retention, and building a robust ecosystem capable of withstanding environmental stressors.

📡 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency:

The strategic use of advanced technologies, including drones and GPS-enabled cow collars (by NoFence) exemplifies Alfonso's forward-thinking approach. These innovations streamline farm operations, reduce labor, and optimize land use, further elevating La Junquera's productivity and sustainability.

👬 Building Community Through Regenerative Networks:

Alfonso underscores the importance of collaboration and community in the regenerative movement. By aligning with networks such as Commonland and AlVelAl, Alfonso taps into a wealth of knowledge, resources, and shared values, catalyzing broader adoption of regenerative practices and strengthening supply chains.

💸 Securing Financial Backing for Regeneration:

Significant investments from entities like SLM Partners, coupled with government payments for ecosystem services, have been instrumental in accelerating La Junquera's regenerative transformation. These financial mechanisms enable Alfonso to expand his efforts, underscoring the economic viability of regenerative farming.

⚛ Carbon Certification and Farm Economy:

La Junquera's commitment to measuring and certifying carbon sequestration is a pioneering step towards integrating regenerative farms into the carbon economy. This initiative not only contributes to global climate solutions but also promises to enhance the farm's economic sustainability.

Join us on the Deep Seed Podcast as Alfonso Chico de Guzman shares his inspiring story of regenerative agriculture at La Junquera, offering valuable lessons on resilience, ecosystem restoration, and the pivotal role of regenerative practices in shaping a sustainable future for farming.

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action by financially rewarding farmers who enhance soil health. 

🙏Special thanks to Sarah Day Levesque for introducing us at RFSI Europe and making this episode possible.

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Raphaël