The Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas is an environment of incalculable landscape riches that can be seen throughout its natural environment and that has also been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1983, Natural Park in 1986 and Zone of Protection for Birds in 1987. A privileged environment where the sustainable mountain olive grove is one of the main protagonists.
The sustainable mountain olive grove represents a high ecological value, since being in the largest protected natural park in Spain and second in Europe, being respectful of the environment that surrounds us is part of our DNA. For this reason, the sustainable olive grove in Cazorla allows to maintain a perfect balance between quality production and conservation of the natural heritage.
The olive grove landscape is one of the most recognized by those who visit our town. As travelers enter our liquid gold forest, they are amazed at its immensity and unparalleled color. Immersing ourselves in this landscape it is impossible not to admire such olive beauty that will end up wrapping our palate in its rich gastronomy, having as an incentive the benefits it brings to our health under a responsible production chain committed to the environment.
What is a sustainable olive grove?
A sustainable olive grove is one whose practices do not imply a deterioration of the environment, on the contrary, its activity is beneficial, since it promotes biodiversity in the environment through responsible practices and customs with the ecosystem.
What does it mean to have a sustainable olive grove in Cazorla?
Having a sustainable olive grove in Cazorla implies a series of practices adapted to the reality of our rural environment and respectful of the nature that surrounds us.
Among them we find the need to:
- Employ vegetative covers protecting the soils from erosion.
- Use fertilizers and products for the sanitary control of the olive grove that are respectful with the environment and taking into account the appropriate times, respecting the flora and fauna of its ecosystem.
- Give an appropriate destination to the waste obtained, as well as take advantage of organic remains.
- Techniques for using water in irrigation work.
- Classify, separate and treat the olive according to its origin and quality.
- Carry out the collection and transport of the olive minimizing damage and with the adequate separation between the ground and the flight, for a correct conservation of its properties and peculiarities.
- Adapt the tanks to the appropriate conditions of conservation and packaging of the oil.
Among other practices, these must be followed to the letter to obtain a sustainable olive oil rich in healthy olive properties. Remember that oil is an essential food in our Mediterranean diet and that the lack of hygiene and care in its process reduces its quality and directly affects our health.
On the other hand, in our province the olive grove is the main economic engine that sustains thousands of families who have ancestrally dedicated themselves to its care and conservation. We owe them recognition and respect by maintaining proper practices and preserving this tradition.
We are all part of the team and treatment of the sustainable olive grove, in a direct and indirect way, and hence the need for a social commitment to improve our way of life and its quality.
The sustainable olive grove in Cazorla is not only the key to the quality of our EVOOs, but it is also a sign of the great heritage value of our landscape.