La organic production in Almería In just a few years, it has gone from occupying an almost symbolic space to becoming one of the key components of the provincial agricultural structure. In a context of unstable prices, rising costs, and greater environmental demands, this model is emerging as a solid way to maintain the profitability of agriculture without losing sight of sustainability.
Today, talking about organic products in the province is no longer talking about a minority niche, but about a expanding, diversified and forward-looking model both national markets as in European marketsThe combination of protected horticulture, woody crops such as almond trees, and a very active technical and associative network has allowed Almería to stand out within the Andalusian and Spanish map of organic agriculture.
Almería, Andalusian benchmark in ecological area
The latest official data places the province above the 82.700 hectares certified in organic productiona figure that confirms the quantitative and qualitative leap of recent years. This growth is not limited to a single crop, but rather responds to a diversification strategy that combines horticultural crops, nuts and other agricultural uses.
Within that total, the weight of the protected horticulture under greenhouseWith over 4.750 hectares dedicated to organic production, Almería is consolidating its position as the Andalusian epicenter of high value-added organic vegetables, many of which are destined for export and have a strong presence in European supermarket chains.
Another fundamental pillar is the organic almond treeBetween Almería and Granada, approximately 95% of Andalusia's organic almond orchards are concentrated. In Almería alone, there are around 37.782 hectares of organically managed almond groves, representing about 66% of the province's almond production.
This specific weight in nuts reflects a clear commitment to dryland farming and more efficient systems adapted to water scarcity and changing climatic conditions of the southeastern Iberian Peninsula. In this way, the ecological model is also linked to adaptation to climate change and the efficient management of resources.
A resilient model in the face of market and climate crises
One of the most frequently repeated arguments among technicians and producers is the capacity of organic farming to better withstand market and weather shocksBy reducing the dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticidesfarms are less exposed to the volatility of the prices of those inputs.
This reduced external dependence translates into a different cost structure, where the following become more prominent: soil managementfunctional biodiversity and technical knowledgeAlthough management may require more planning and monitoring, the result is a more stable system in the medium and long term.
In a scenario marked by heat waves, drought episodes, and changes in pest and disease patterns, ecological systems rely on tools such as Plant cover, rotations, and biologic control to maintain productivity. This approach aligns with European guidelines that aim to reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
From a professional perspective, the role of organic farming as a "refuge" for many farms seeking greater income stability through market differentiation and access to channels where certified production is valued.
IFAPA La Mojonera: laboratory of ideas for organic horticulture
The IFAPA center in La Mojonera has become one of the main venues where the present and future of the organic greenhouse horticulture. The technical workshop “Biodiversity and Nutrition: Keys to Soil Health in Organic Horticulture” is an example of how research is being translated into practical applications.
In this meeting, the opening remarks are delivered by presidency of IFAPAThe closing remarks will be delivered by representatives of COAG, one of Almería's main agricultural organizations. Meanwhile, the moderation of the organic production area ensures that the presentations maintain a focus closely tied to the realities of the countryside.
The program addresses issues that directly concern farmers, such as biodiversity management for pest control, crop nutrition without resorting to conventional fertigation or the control of nematodes through organic strategies and cover crops. All of this is focused on improving soil health, a central element in any ecological system.
The section on biodiversity and biological control delves into how the design of the greenhouse environment, the use of hedges, flower strips or shelters for beneficial wildlife can become a effective tool for pest control without the need to resort to synthetic chemicals.
Living soil, fewer inputs and more autonomy on the farm
One of the thematic blocks of the day revolves around the crop nutrition without chemical fertigationThis is especially relevant in productions such as organic greenhouse tomatoes. The researchers present trials working with organic amendments, the use of local resources, and irrigation management to maximize the use of nutrients present in the soil.
The concept of “living soil” is central to this strategy. A soil with good structure, organic matter content, and a active microbiota It is able to supply nutrients in a more balanced and sustained manner. This not only improves productivity in the medium term, but also reduces the need for external inputs.
Organic fertilization is combined with techniques such as cover crops, which, in addition to protecting the soil from erosion and improving its structure, allow us to explore ways to contain nematode populations and other soil pathogens. In this way, we are moving towards a preventive rather than a reactive approach to management.
This entire approach fits with the objectives of the EcoMerca project, which seeks to strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of the farms through organic production, emphasizing the autonomy of the farms and the rational use of resources.
Fit into European policies and consumer challenges
The push for organic production in Almería cannot be understood in isolation, but rather within the context of the European strategies for a more sustainable food systemCommunity initiatives such as the commitment to increase the organic area in the EU or reduce the use of pesticides largely support the path that the province has already embarked upon.
However, the growth in hectares must be accompanied by a increase in domestic consumption and in market consolidationboth nationally and internationally. Part of the sector insists on the need to continue working on dissemination, transparency and short marketing channels to bring these products closer to the public.
At the European level, the demand for organic fruits and vegetables continues to be a fundamental support for Almería, which has built a good part of its economy on this demand. export vocation Regarding these niches, diversifying destinations and complying with demanding EU standards are key to maintaining and expanding those market shares.
The challenge lies in ensuring that organic production is not only a technical and environmental response to the sector's problems, but also a economically viable option for a growing number of farmers, especially small and medium-sized ones.
With a combination of expanding acreage, leadership in strategic crops such as protected horticulture and almonds, and strong technical and institutional support, the Organic production in Almería is consolidating itself as a robust model with room for growth.The territory's capacity to continue innovating in biodiversity, soil health and management with fewer external inputs will be crucial to strengthening its role in the Spanish and European agricultural context in the coming years.
