These last four years, significant work has been carried out to promote regenerative agriculture using the Epigen Healthy Bite model. A philosophy that impregnates the everyday work carried out and that is reflected in the quality of the produce.
At the end of November, a further step was taken on this point with the presentation of the Aenor certificate for ‘Regenerative Agriculture,’ which in accordance with the Epigen Healthy Bite model, puts the spotlight on the soil as a key element in agricultural production.
Along with Biosabor and Cuna de Platero, Keops Agro leads the companies that have attained this new stamp, and they will proudly show it during their visit to the agrifood trade fair Fruit Logistica. Many more will be joining them in the following months. “Between January and February, there will be another 14 companies,” Francisco Javier del Águila, CEO of Epigen Healthy Bite, explained to Fruit Today.
In 2024, a Spanish national supermarket is also expected to join the scheme.
The Aenor certificate for ‘Regenerative Agriculture’ evaluates a set of cultivation techniques aimed at increasing the fertility of the soil and its native microbiome (bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms), achieving a new balance in the soil-plant ecosystem. Amongst these techniques are ploughing and weed management, efficiency in the use of irrigation water, planning of sowing and crops, rotations, promotion of biodiversity in the production area, management of vegetable nutrition, along with disease and pest control.
Other benefits of regenerative agriculture are the reduction in the dependence on chemical inputs (fertilisers and plant protection products) and the increase in the carbon sequestration rate in the soil, therefore contributing to an improvement in sustainability, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European strategy promoted by the Green Deal.
