Almond Orchards That Restore the Landscape

1. Almonds with exceptional nutritional value

Almond trees in the Altiplano Estepario region grow at altitudes between 700 and 1,400 meters above sea level and are cultivated without artificial irrigation. The trees are therefore exposed to natural stress factors — drought, intense sunlight, and relatively poor soils. These conditions stimulate the plants to produce higher amounts of protective bioactive compounds.

The result is a higher concentration of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and vitamin E, which help protect cells from oxidative stress. Almonds are also a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which is associated with supporting cardiovascular health.

Thanks to the slower growth of the trees and the natural cultivation conditions, these almonds also tend to be more nutritionally concentrated. They contain significant amounts of fiber, plant protein, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. These nutrients contribute to the normal function of the nervous system, muscles, and energy metabolism.

The combination of regenerative farming practices, healthy soil, and demanding climatic conditions may therefore lead not only to landscape restoration but also to the production of almonds with a very interesting nutritional profile.

2. Regenerative almond cultivation

Regenerative almond cultivation differs significantly from both conventional and standard organic farming. Farmers apply practices that support the natural functioning of the landscape.

Almonds from the Almendrehesa project are among the first in Europe to receive the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) certification. This certification is built on three main pillars: soil health, animal welfare, and fair social conditions for people.

Water retention in the landscape

The dry conditions of the Altiplano region have led farmers to implement techniques that help capture and retain every drop of water. Infiltration swales and trenches slow the runoff of rainwater and allow it to gradually soak into the soil near the roots of the trees.

The system also includes small natural reservoirs that capture heavy rainfall events and traditional stone terraces that prevent soil erosion and help create a more stable microclimate.

Soil as a living ecosystem

Another important principle is caring for the soil as a living ecosystem. Farmers sow mixtures of herbs and grasses as cover crops that protect the soil from drying out and increase organic matter content.

Biomass from tree pruning is returned to the orchards as mulch, which supports soil microorganisms and moisture retention. Biodiversity is further strengthened by aromatic hedgerows made of lavender, rosemary, and thyme, as well as by the integration of beehives that provide natural pollination for almond trees.

3. Integration of animals into almond orchards

One of the characteristic features of the regenerative system is the integration of almond cultivation with sheep grazing.

Sheep graze the vegetation between the trees, naturally fertilize the soil, and help remove leftover fruit that could otherwise become a source of disease. This approach replaces mechanical mowing and reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

4. The regenerative landscape of Altiplano Estepario

The Altiplano Estepario region lies at the intersection of the provinces of Almería, Murcia, and Granada in southeastern Spain. It is an area with a very dry climate where the landscape has long been exposed to erosion, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss.

In 2014, an initiative was launched here with an ambitious goal: to restore more than one million hectares of land through regenerative management. The project is based on cooperation between farmers organized in the AlVelAl association and the commercial platform Almendrehesa, which helps bring their production to market.

This model demonstrates that agriculture can be not only a source of food but also a powerful tool for restoring ecosystems and rural communities.

5. Ecological, social and economic aspects of regenerative agriculture

The entire project is built on the concept known as the 4 Returns Framework, which connects ecological, social, and economic aspects of regenerative agriculture.

The model includes four key benefits:

• Return of inspiration – restoring hope and meaning to rural life and motivating younger generations to return to the region.
• Social return – creation of new jobs, farmer education, and strengthening of local communities.
• Natural return – restoration of soil, improved water retention in the landscape, and the return of biodiversity.
• Financial return – long-term sustainable income for farmers and new economic opportunities.

The landscape is planned as an interconnected system of three zones — natural areas, agricultural areas, and economic areas — which together create a stable regenerative ecosystem.

6. Key takeaways

• Regenerative agriculture can restore degraded landscapes, improve soil health, and support biodiversity.
• The Altiplano Estepario project demonstrates that agriculture can deliver ecological, social, and economic benefits simultaneously.
• Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) is one of the most rigorous standards of sustainable agriculture.
• Healthy soil, water retention in the landscape, and natural integration of animals play a crucial role.
• Challenging natural growing conditions may contribute to a higher nutritional quality of almonds.