Discover the Regenerative Wonders of La Junquera Farm
A Centuries-Old Legacy of Sustainable Farming
The Remarkable History of La Junquera
In 1829, Diego Chico de Guzmán Figueroa purchased the historic La Junquera farm during the "desamortización" (disentailment) of Riego. This land, previously owned by the Carmelites of Caravaca, would go on to transform over the centuries, becoming one of the largest regenerative farms in Europe.
During the 19th century, La Junquera was a hub of agricultural production, known for its thriving esparto grass and hemp industries. The farm supplied essential materials like ropes and sails for the nearby port of Cartagena. However, as these traditional crops faded, the farm transitioned to focus solely on cereal production by the 1940s.
Sadly, the town of La Junquera experienced a period of depopulation in the 1960s, with the once-vibrant community dwindling to zero inhabitants. But in 2012, a new chapter began when Alfonso Chico de Guzmán returned to the farm, sparking a revival and a commitment to regenerative agriculture.
Regenerative Practices: Restoring the Land and Nurturing Life
Today, La Junquera is at the forefront of sustainable farming, dedicated to regenerating the land and fostering a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem. The farm's regenerative techniques include:
Swales and Ponds
More than 10 km of contour-following swales prevent erosion and run-off, while strategically placed ponds hold water throughout the dry season, providing a vital resource for wildlife and migratory birds. La Junquera boasts over 60 ponds and sediment traps.
Biodiversity Enhancement
By expanding hedgerows and natural corridors, the farm provides refuge and food for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Native species that are well-adapted to the local climate are carefully reintroduced.
Green Covers and Composting
Maintaining green covers on exposed soil helps retain moisture and prevent erosion, while a vermicompost system transforms farm-generated organic matter into nutrient-rich fertilizer, creating a circular system with minimal waste.
Reforestation Efforts
The farm's reforestation program plants around 10,000 native trees and shrubs each year, actively restoring the natural landscape.
Holistic Livestock Management
The recovery of the endangered Murcian-Levantine cow breed is a point of pride, with the herd playing a vital role in the farm's holistic pasture management, which "creates" soil through their grazing patterns.
Diversified, Sustainable Crops
La Junquera's regenerative approach extends to its diverse crop production, including:
- Cereals and Legumes: Old, resilient grain varieties like chamorro wheat, barley, and giant rye are rotated with nitrogen-fixing legumes to improve soil health.
- Almonds: Almond trees thrive in the farm's dryland conditions, supported by vegetation covers to enhance soil quality.
- Aromatic Herbs: Native plants like lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage provide habitat for pollinators and add beauty to the landscape.
- Pistachios: A 6-hectare pistachio plot serves as an experimental regenerative crop, with permanent vegetation strips that protect production.
- Vegetables: The farm works to revive traditional Murcian orchard techniques and local crop varieties, preserving heritage and creating value-added products.
- Apples: A 0.5-hectare apple orchard is intercropped with aromatic herbs, fostering biodiversity and yielding delicious cider and juice.
- Grapes: A newly established 5-hectare vineyard, planted using keyline techniques, represents the farm's continued commitment to diversification and regeneration.
Connecting People, Land, and Culture
At the heart of La Junquera's mission is a deep connection to the land, the local community, and the rich cultural heritage of the region. The farm serves as a hub for educational initiatives, regenerative incubation, and immersive experiences that inspire visitors to become active stewards of the environment.
Through programs like the Regeneration Academy and Camp Altiplano, La Junquera empowers the next generation of regenerative farmers, researchers, and enthusiasts, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to transform landscapes and communities.
Discover the Wonders of La Junquera
Whether you're a curious agritourist, a sustainability-minded consumer, or a passionate regenerative farmer, La Junquera invites you to explore its centuries-old legacy and witness the transformative power of regenerative agriculture in action. Come and immerse yourself in the farm's rich history, its innovative practices, and its commitment to a more sustainable future.