La Junquera is a pioneering regenerative farm located in the Altiplano region of Murcia, southeastern Spain.
Spanning approximately 1,100 hectares, it stands as one of Europe’s largest regenerative agriculture projects, operating in one of the most desertified areas of the Iberian Peninsula. La Junquera transitioned to organic farming in 2010 and adopted regenerative practices in 2015. The farm's methods focus on restoring soil health, enhancing water retention, and boosting biodiversity. Key practices include:
Soil Regeneration: Utilizing cover crops, vermicomposting, and minimal tillage to improve soil fertility.
Water Management: Constructing swales, ponds, and sediment traps to capture and distribute rainfall efficiently.
Biodiversity Enhancement: Planting native species, establishing wildlife corridors, and integrating livestock like the endangered Murcian-Levantine cow to promote ecosystem balance.
These efforts have led to a significant increase in soil organic matter, from 2% to 6%, and the restoration of 2,500 hectares of degraded land.
Besides their farming efforts, La Junquera hosts the Regeneration Academy, led by Yanniek Schoonhoven, offering educational programs in agroecology, soil conservation, and sustainable farming.