Fruit Today euromagazine talked to Adolfo García, manager of the company Camposeven, a pioneer in ecological and biodynamic crops in the Region of Murcia
What is your assessment of the evolution of ecological crops?
Over the past three years there has been an important growth in ecological production in Spain, although I think that not all the plantations that are moving over to ecological will be maintained, as these crops are very complicated. Over the next 5 or 6 years we will see the actual evolution of this production.
What percentage of your crops corresponds to biodynamics? Which are the main countries that are demanding them?
We have 100% production in biodynamic farming, although due to the transition period, at present it makes up 70% of our total production. And our main buyer is Germany, where there is a significant culture with regard to these types of products.
Every day conventional product growing is getting closer, in terms of plant protection, to ecological production. How could this affect the prices?
Ecological farming is not solely based on plant protection treatments, but also on other agricultural and environmental practices, therefore I don’t think that they are comparable. Previously, I have commented that there are quite a few farmers who are moving over to these methods. The regrettable point is that they only look at the sale prices, without valuing other aspects, such as the losses in production or the cultivation systems.
In my opinion, the prices of ecological produce cannot undergo important variations. The costs and the losses are very high and you can’t produce in order to lose money.
How is the Freshvana concept being developed?
Freshvana is a Camposeven brand that was created to sell ecological and biodynamic produce on the home market, directly to the end consumer. People who have visited our installations and have tried our produce are delighted with the flavour, quality, variety and freshness; therefore the need was created for our produce (currently 95% export) to be tasted and eaten on the home market.
We have online and local sales, that is to say, people living near San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia), where our head offices are located, who make an order by email and then collect it at the premises themselves.
One of Camposeven’s philosophies is to encourage fruit and vegetable eating amongst children. What projects do you have in the pipeline on this point?
Along with the UCAM, we are developing a project for the children from Colegio San Vicente Paul, in el Palmar, to be able to eat ecological salads. Last year we added apples to this initiative, without this meaning any difference to the price of the menus.
Additionally, in all the forums in which we are given the chance to take part, we place value on these products, through their properties, flavours, crop systems, benefits for the environment and for the people.
To conclude, I would add that at Camposeven, we are fighting to leave a healthier world behind us, both personally and environmentally. Therefore we don’t stop investing in R&D+i, collaborating with different universities and encouraging the consumption of these products. Our fruit and vegetables include this touch of love that makes them different. I learnt this from my mother, who said that she never stopped putting several spoonfuls of love in her meals.
