Healthy soil creates healthier food
Almond orchards in southeastern Spain are proving that agriculture can regenerate landscapes while producing exceptional nutrition.
Almond orchards that restore the landscape
The arid landscapes of southeastern Spain are becoming a living laboratory for modern regenerative agriculture. In the region of Altiplano Estepario, a unique project has emerged that combines ecological landscape restoration, economic stability for farmers, and the production of exceptionally high-quality almonds.
These almonds carry the prestigious Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) certification, one of the highest sustainability standards in agriculture worldwide.
It also creates the conditions for producing foods with exceptional nutritional value.
Almonds with exceptional nutritional value
Almond trees in the Altiplano Estepario region grow at elevations between 700 and 1,400 meters above sea level and are cultivated without artificial irrigation.
As a result, the trees are exposed to natural environmental stress — drought, intense sunlight, and relatively poor soils. These conditions stimulate plants to produce greater 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 rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which is associated with cardiovascular health.
Due to slower tree growth and natural cultivation conditions, these almonds are often nutritionally more concentrated. They provide significant amounts of fiber, plant proteins, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which contribute to normal nervous system function, muscle activity, and energy metabolism.
Healthy soil and slower plant growth often result in higher concentrations of beneficial nutrients.
Regenerative almond farming
Regenerative almond cultivation differs significantly from both conventional and typical organic farming.
Farmers implement practices that support the natural functioning of the landscape rather than attempting to control it.
Almonds from the Almendrehesa project are among the first in Europe to receive the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) certification.
This certification is based on three main pillars:
- soil health
- animal welfare
- fair social conditions for people
Water retention in the landscape
The dry climate of the Altiplano region has led farmers to adopt methods that capture and retain every drop of water.
Infiltration trenches and swales slow the flow of rainwater and allow it to gradually soak into the soil and reach tree roots.
The system also includes small natural reservoirs that collect intense rainfall and traditional stone terraces that prevent erosion and stabilize the local microclimate.
Soil as a living ecosystem
Another key principle is treating soil as a living ecosystem.
Farmers sow mixtures of grasses and herbs as permanent ground cover, protecting the soil from drying out while increasing organic matter.
Biomass from tree pruning is returned to the orchards as mulch, supporting soil microorganisms and improving water retention.
Biodiversity is further enhanced by aromatic hedgerows of lavender, rosemary, and thyme, as well as the integration of beehives, which provide natural pollination.
Integrating animals into almond orchards
A distinctive feature of the regenerative system is the integration of almond cultivation with sheep grazing.
Sheep graze vegetation between trees, naturally fertilize the soil, and help eliminate fallen fruits that could otherwise become sources of disease.
This approach replaces mechanical mowing and reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Their presence supports soil fertility, reduces external inputs, and strengthens natural cycles.
The regenerative landscape of Altiplano Estepario
The Altiplano Estepario region lies between the Spanish provinces of Almería, Murcia, and Granada.
It is an area with an extremely dry climate that has long suffered from soil erosion, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.
In 2014, an ambitious initiative was launched with the goal of restoring more than one million hectares of landscape through regenerative land management.
The project is built on cooperation between farmers associated with the AlVelAl association and the commercial platform Almendrehesa, which helps bring their products to market.
This model demonstrates that agriculture can serve not only as a source of food but also as a powerful tool for restoring ecosystems and rural communities.
Ecological, social and economic aspects of regenerative agriculture
The entire project is based on the concept known as the 4 Returns Framework, which integrates ecological, social, and economic dimensions of regenerative agriculture.
The model includes four key types of returns:
- Return of inspiration – restoring hope and purpose in rural regions and motivating younger generations to return.
- Social return – creating jobs, educating farmers, and strengthening local communities.
- Natural return – restoring soil health, improving water retention, and bringing biodiversity back to the landscape.
- Financial return – providing long-term sustainable income for farmers and creating new economic opportunities.
The landscape is planned as a connected system of three zones — natural, agricultural, and economic — that together form a stable regenerative ecosystem.
Key takeaways
- Regenerative agriculture can restore degraded landscapes, improve soil health, and support biodiversity.
- The Altiplano Estepario project demonstrates that farming can generate ecological, social, and economic benefits simultaneously.
- The Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) certification represents one of the strictest sustainability standards in agriculture.
- Healthy soil, water retention in the landscape, and the integration of animals play a crucial role in regenerative systems.
- Challenging natural growing conditions may contribute to the higher nutritional quality of almonds.