Huerta La Cuna

Before starting the plantations, the land was vacant and abandoned. Initially, it began with several horticultural crops such as asparagus, artichoke, piquillo pepper, etc., before carrying out the plantations of tree species and the garden. Subsequently, tree species were planted, specifically peach, apple tree, and some organic cherry and strawberry hydroponics with substrate such as peat or coconut fiber. There is a small plot for tomato, pepper, cucumber, etc. Between the rows of trees, seasonal horticultural species are planted, thus achieving a system that has tree elements and herbaceous plants. At present the commercialization takes place in a short radius, fidelizing the clientele based on the quality of the products. The project incorporates value to its production thanks to the packaging and conservation of the production, as well as to the direct commercialization in the space enabled as agrotienda in the facilities built next to the agricultural exploitation.

• As a result, it has gone from having a vacant lot, without any productivity, to an agricultural farm that combines fruit and vegetable crops, which allows to obtain a family income and that has evolved over time from a conventional crop to an ecological one, much more respectful with the environment and whose product acquires greater value in the market when produced in a sustainable way.
• In addition, the farm has been a guarantee to establish the residence of the family of Ramón y Carmen.

The information is based on farmer experience as a worker in France and learning on his own, because he likes the field a lot as a way of life. If there are no more cases like this in the rural world, young people will end up leaving the villages and the rural exodus will continue towards the city. The farmer also has courses such as pesticide applicator, food handler, horticulture courses, etc. The Administration helped in the construction of the warehouse and the greenhouses. This case study illustrates the impact generated by the funds applied in the territories thanks to the LiderA Program and the management of the Rural Development Groups of the province of Jaén. Description of used technics during establishing of agroforestry systems Fruit trees are planted in a row, being quite intensive to get enough profitability. There are 800 peach trees and 700 apple trees, in a French-style row, placed as a hedge, so that it also protects the horticultural crop. Tomatoes and other garden crops are sown within the plantation line. Threats/Challenges

• The main threats are produced as a result of the markets, that the products are brought from outside, and due to the requirements that the Administration has for sales.
• Another threat is unfair competition.

It is another case of how people with environmental awareness decide to leave behind traditional practices, based on the use of phytosanitary products that involve toxicity to the environment, and focus on an agriculture that is more respectful of the environment and the health of people. In addition, the business vision concentrates on these types of products that are more profitable, since they reach a greater value in the market. Future plans Recover trees that have lost due to diseases and improve exploitation to leave a heritage to children. So far what is produced is being sold, and exploitation is viable. They try to consolidate the business so that it is durable over time.  

The road has not been without difficulties, solved with external advice on agronomic matters. Farmer recommendation: “A person who wants to start in this world, must be very clear that he ready for sacrifice, on the one hand a high economic bet, on the other hand the high physical sacrifice. Therefore, we recommend a reflection before beginning these proposals.”