Sevilla-based citrus group Iberhanse-NaturGreen has launched Bio-Inclusive Agriculture, an agricultural practice that is already present in 1,200ha of agricultural farms.
According to the company, Bio-Inclusive Agriculture is a 'revolutionary' agricultural production model that guarantees natural and sustainable practices for the environment, working for the recovery of flora and fauna in cultivation areas, and combining food production with the protection of biodiversity.
Using techniques applied by Iberhanse-NaturGreen, 67 farms participating in the project have reduced water consumption by 25 per cent, energy consumption by 20 per cent and the number of phytosanitary treatments applied by 70 per cent, minimising their toxic load, the group pointed out.
In addition, more than 75 species of animals have been recovered, 3m cubic meters of water have been converted into natural ecosystems, more than 30,000 metres of borders and riverbanks have been recovered, with more than 14,000 metres of green corridors included.
Iberhanse-Naturgreen is marking International Agriculture Day by launching its 'Manifesto of Bio-Inclusive Agriculture' to help combat the impact of traditional agricultural activity, which continues to be one of the dominant causes of the current loss of species.
The Living Planet Index has recorded an overall 60 per cent decline in species population sizes between 1970 and 2014, and globally, more than 25 per cent of all animal and plant species are threatened with extinction.
“Agriculture cannot continue to be the main cause of the loss of global biological diversity,' said Luis Bolaños, chief executive of Iberhanse-NaturGreen. 'Bio-Inclusive Agriculture, creates healthier products, works to restore and conserve biodiversity on agricultural farms.
'We have started the great revolution of the 21st century and with it we want to turn our plantations into the forests of the future,' he added.
