WE BELIEVE THE WORLD DESERVES BETTER
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Balancing environmental, social, and economic concerns to ensure long-term viability
At AQUATERRA, we adhere to the principle of meeting the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same, managing and operating our portfolio of farmland properties in ways that seamlessly balance the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives of a sustainable agriculture system.
Our commitment to sustainable agriculture brings a multitude of benefits, including:
Environmental
- Preservation and improvement of natural resources and critical habitats
- Protection of watersheds
- Improved soil health
- Better water quality
- Reduced carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions
Social
- Creation of job opportunities
- Support to local communities
- Boost to rural economy
Economic
- Decreased costs through reduced reliance on chemical inputs
- Better product quality and increased yields
- Increased efficiency through improved soil health and reduced water consumption
REGENERATIVE FARMING
Growing
a greener
future
Designing and implementing a system of farming principles and practices to actively restore and enhance the entire ecosystem we operate in.
Fostering Improved
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is essential for our activity and stands as its core. We limit agricultural production to less than 30% of our land, using a discontinuous configuration. The remaining area (>70%) is fully dedicated to the conservation and regeneration of habitats and species. This involves preserving wide strips of forest, restoring species diversity, and promoting the regeneration of native species like Armeria Rouyana and Thymus Capitellatus.
Preserving biodiversity
in harmony with nature
Water-efficiency is amongst our priorities. We use the most advanced irrigation and fertigation management and control system that nourish plants with 30% less water by avoiding water waste, reducing run-off and leaching, reducing evaporation, and enabling the reuse of wastewate. We also have dedicated human-resources on each farm, including a full-time irrigation manager, to constantly measure and control the water and fertilization needs vs consumption.
Enhanced soil quality
and structure
We take steps to preserve and enhance soil quality. By following best agronomic practices and utilizing biological soil conservation techniques such as planting cover crops, we protect soil from erosion, retain water and nutrients, trap and hold carbon, and improve water quality. Moreover, by transforming vegetable waste into biochar and incorporating it back into the soil, we increase CO2 and nitrogen retention.
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Paving the way to zero carbon footprint
Contributing to the net-zero emissions goal by powering our farms with renewable energy, minimizing carbon footprint in production and distribution, and using crops and forest as carbon sinks.
Renewable energy for
100% green farming
We aim to have all farms powered by renewable energy by 2025, making our energy consumption 100% green, clean and autonomous. As part of that goal, we have already added capacity from solar installations over our farm’s water reservoirs and water house rooftops, covering part of the annual electricity demand.
Locally sourced
and delivered
Our avocados and tangerines are locally produced and sold in Europe, which reduces the carbon footprint.
This is particularly relevant in the case of avocados since, by avoiding long-route shipping from South America, our production will save more than 1,800 tonnes of CO2 each year.
Capturing CO2 with
natural carbon sinks
We are effectively capturing thousands of tons of CO2 per year. Our fruit orchids, forests, and the cover crops we plant to prevent soil erosion serve as natural carbon sinks, storing carbon in the plants and soil while removing it from the atmosphere.
SOCIAL IMPACT IN RURAL AREAS
A broader mission that changes communities
Promoting employment, training, and economic boost in rural areas.
Employee fairness
& Community impact
We make our best efforts to employ local workers and support the surrounding communities. At the same time, we strive to foster a workplace that values diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities and fair treatment to all members of our team, regardless of gender, race, or any other personal characteristic.
Boosting rural development
with job creation
Our activity will create more than 1,500 jobs by 2032, boosting rural areas and driving sustainable economic growth. Our efforts will have a significant impact on national and regional development while enhancing the lives of local communities. By investing in rural areas, we are working towards a better and more sustainable future for all.
High quality nutrition
the most sustainable way
Our fresh avocados and tangerines are not only delicious but also nutritious. Both fruits are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that promote overall health and wellness. Moreover, our production process aligns with the market’s trend towards increasingly sustainable production.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Our sustainable
agriculture
solutions
SDV GOALS SECTION
Committed to the key
UN Sustainable
Development Goals
for a positive impact
We are contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals by
applying sustainable agricultural practices based on international
policy standards, articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals,
considered in the context of farmland and farmland management,
where we are fully committed to food security and climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Achieving Sustainability
through Rigorous
Environmental Evaluation
Our agricultural projects undergo a thorough Environmental
Impact Assessment (AIA) process by relevant authorities,
ensuring that they minimize environmental impacts and
adhere to all environmental conditions and constraints.
Our agricultural projects are evaluated and approved through a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (AIA) process by relevant authorities, including the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), Regional Water Resources Administration (ARH), Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), Municipality, and Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries (DRAP).
The AIA process ensures that our projects protect the productivity and capacity of natural systems and ecological processes and promote the regeneration of native species.
To avoid, minimize or balance any significant bio-physical effects, we limit agricultural production to less than 30% of our land, using a discontinuous configuration. The remaining 70% is fully dedicated to conservation and regeneration of habitats and species.
