Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR

This Spanish project improved the handling, packaging and marketing of organically grown citrus fruit in an area of natural beauty. It upgraded ripening, refrigeration, transport and labelling processes and it encouraged better market adaptation.

The El-Arbuli company was born out of the need of small and medium-sized farmers to cooperate. The common objective is to improve the marketing of the fruit and vegetables they produce - meaning that farms can be kept profitable and not abandoned. The farmers involved in this project are committed to preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Almanzora river which is threatened by the introduction of agricultural practices that hamper biodiversity, pollute the soil and aggravate erosion processes.

The main objective of the project is to improve the handling, packaging and marketing of organically grown citrus fruit. The specific objectives identified were: i) to increase and improve production capacity, marketing and competitiveness of local production; ii) to better protect the fruit that are sensitive to attack by certain insects; and iii) to rationalise product management.

To achieve its objectives, the company initiated reforms to guarantee stock availability during the production process and has adapted its de-greening chamber to reduce the threat of Ceratitis capitata, the Mediterranean fruit fly, a species capable of causing extensive damage to fruit crops. It has also invested in a new footbridge for improved internal transport capacity and in new types of packaging and redesigned labelling for its citrus products.

The project’s primary achievement has been to increase the quantity and quality of products by adapting production processes to market demands. It has also provided environmental benefits by helping to keep the river valley green by encouraging organic farming. The investment has contributed to the improvement of skills – both for farmers and workers in the company - while the growth in production capacity has helped to generate new jobs.

The fact that the project was led by a recognised cooperative in the area helped to promote the cooperative movement and the associative spirit. By encouraging organic farming practices and maintenance of the ecosystem and biodiversity in the Almanzora Valley, the project has provided a good model for the creation of sustainable and healthier rural communities.

Muncipality of Arboleas in the valley of Almanzora, Province of Almería.

Andalucía

Andalucía

256 309

91 142

30 381

134 786

https://www.al-arbuli.com/arbuli.htm

Ginés Garcia Gómez

info@al-arbuli.com

+34 950 431 753 – +34 639 211 666

Spanish