This week, I’m diving into what might be one of the most ambitious projects I’ve encountered on my journey. Peasmakers Yanniek Schoonhoven and Alfonso Chico de Guzmán are transforming 1100 hectares of desertified land in Murcia through regenerative farming practices.
(Please note that this text is translated by Open AI as I write my all my peas in Dutch)
This week, my camper is stationed at La Junquera. Until 1969, this was a village with 120 inhabitants, but it was abandoned with the arrival of tractors, rendering the workers unnecessary. From my camper, I have a view of the ruins of the farmhouse, where Yanniek and Alfonso also reside. The farm has been in Alfonso’s family for generations. Yanniek arrived here seven years ago for her work at Commonland, and the spark between her and Alfonso ignited, leading Yanniek to stay.
The couple turned out to be a perfect match on many fronts. Alfonso and Yanniek share a mission to revive this region, each with their own focus. Alfonso focuses on the farm while Yanniek spearheads the Regeneration Academy. This academy, now a recognized institution in the Netherlands, equips students and professionals with the tools to become innovators in regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration.
As I drive towards La Junquera from the west, the landscape can only be described as fifty shades of brown. Bare fields, almond orchards devoid of any ground cover, with an occasional oak or small shrub. Contrary to my expectations, this is also the scene at La Junquera. It takes some getting used to the environment without greenery. The reality is that water is scarce here. The fields should have turned green by now with the sown grain, but due to drought, it’s not germinating, and the harvest is uncertain for the third consecutive year.
La Junquera was originally a conventional grain farm, and grain remains the primary crop, now fully organic. Additionally, they cultivate almonds and pistachios and maintain cows through holistic grazing practices on the estate. However, the drought necessitates the exploration of new crops that thrive here. Thus, the couple is investing in a vineyard and herbs like lavender that can be used in essential oils.
Alfonso and Yanniek’s mission is nowhere more critical than here. If they can transform the landscape at La Junquera, then it’s truly possible anywhere. But goodness, what an incredible challenge this is. The soil here is rocky, with 55 frost days per year, and summers easily reach 40 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is sparse, sometimes absent for 9 months. There’s often a strong wind, and living here takes some getting used to. The term ‘the middle of nowhere’ was practically invented for this place, power outages are common, and water pressure is a luxury.
To get a good sense of the estate and understand what regeneration entails, nothing beats a ride on horseback. The undulating lines I see during my ride with Yanniek are like trenches designed to capture rainwater and prevent the fertile topsoil from washing away. Ponds and pools have been constructed to retain as much water as possible. Everywhere I look, there are young trees meant to improve soil quality and increase biodiversity. And if it were to rain, I’d also see ground cover plants holding the soil in place.
To restore the ecosystem through regenerative farming in a place like La Junquera, you have to wholeheartedly believe in your mission. Fortunately, people like Yanniek and Alfonso believe in the nearly impossible. Indeed, half of Southern Europe is facing a future like Murcia, where drought will lead to failed harvests and poverty. Yanniek, Alfonso, and their team are paving the way towards a fertile future for such areas.
Would you like to help Yanniek and Alfonso with their mission?
You can support them by adopting an almond tree and enjoying the delicious almonds from La Junquera. Additionally, the Regeneration Academy is seeking funding and you can also enroll in one of their courses to learn more about regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration.
