Fact sheet written by Francesco Assembri, Lorenzo Fierro, and Francesco Vincenzo Lamonarca from the Gastronomic Design Sciences course of the UNISG Bachelor of Science in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures degree program
Country: Spain
Address: Calle Mayor 19, Cehegín, Murcia, 30430
Type of reality: Private regenerative agricultural project
Target audience: B2B mainly, sometimes B2C for one-on-one courses, volunteering and direct product sales
Claim: Regenerative farm and village
Web site: www.lajunquera.es
Scenario
In the context of increasing desertification and soil degradation, the Murcia plateau, among the driest regions in Spain, is particularly vulnerable. The adoption of conventional agricultural practices has promoted progressive soil erosion and loss of fertility, putting both agricultural productivity and biodiversity at risk.
Within this framework, La Junquera represents an innovative experience in regenerative agriculture, which aims not only to combat environmental degradation but also to create new prospects for rural communities.
Description
La Junquera is a 1,100-hectare agricultural estate dedicated to soil regeneration and the spread of sustainable agricultural practices. The farm is located in theMurcia plateau, one of Spain‘s driest regions, where the adoption of conventional farming practices has resulted in continuous soil erosion.
Techniques include holistic pasture management, tree planting, the use of cover crops, and the use of compost, strategies that have helped restore fertility and increase biodiversity.
In addition, the project not only promotes environmental sustainability but also creates economic and job opportunities in rural areas by stimulating the growth of a new generation of farmers through its Regeneration Academy.
The educational center, home to the Regeneration Academy, offers practical-theoretical programs in agroecology, rural innovation and sustainability for students and professionals from around the world. Through these initiatives, the project encourages youth participation, promotes international volunteerism and supports the emergence of a new generation of regenerative farmers.
The project’s impact goes far beyond agriculture: La Junquera is a catalyst for rural innovation by creating a network involving universities, NGOs and international organizations in collaborative research projects. In parallel, it contributes to the economic revival of the area through a circular economy model, which integrates the direct sale of agricultural products, the use of recyclable materials and the development of eco-designed packaging.
Bibliography
- El País. (2022, June 24). La finca donde se resucita la tierra. https://elpais.com/eps/2022-06-24/la-finca-donde-se-resucita-la-tierra.htmlEl País
- EU CAP Network. (2024). La Junquera regenerative agriculture and rural development initiative.https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/good-practice/la-junquera-regenerative-agriculture-and-rural-development-initiative_enEU CAP Network+1Red CAP+1.
- Global Network of Lighthouse Farms. (n.d.). La Junquera. https://www.lighthousefarmnetwork.com/lighthouse-farms/la-junqueralighthousefarmnetwork.com.
- Regeneration Academy. (n.d.). About Us.https://www.regeneration-academy.org/about-us/LA JUNQUERA+9Regeneration Academy+9EU CAP Network+9.
