Walking the Regenerative Path at Juntos Farm

Regenerative farming helps mitigate climate change by capturing and storing carbon in soils through farming methods like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and agroforestry. It also aims to improve and restore soil health, biodiversity and resilience. We visited Juntos Farm in Ibiza when the new PATH2CC project started.

Due to large-scale tourism pressure, Ibiza faces challenges in achieving food self-sufficiency, as is imported. , so irrigation systems must be water-efficient.  J is a living lab where agriculture and community engagement aims together to a sustainable local food economy.

Juntos Farm is participating in several EIT Food activities including our COVERE² project, for farmers and most recently PATH2CC project. There are also other projects supporting the shift to sustainable farming methods in the Balearic Islands, such as a regenerative carbon program,

of the farm and the benefits of transitioning to solar energy. A novel power flow tracing technique (PFT) developed by ELEKS was used for the analysis. Use of PFT strengthen the farm's aims to regenerative, local systems in both food and energy.  

will explore new business models for small  farms to utilize carbon credits.   While the focus is on carbon, additional benefits, such as impacts on biodiversity and soil health, are also emphasized. Juntos Farm is among the project pilot farms. The project was kicked off in Ibiza in September.
Regenerative solutions

Juntos Farm exemplifies approaches to regenerative farming, actively working to restore the land and build resilience. The regenerative approach begins with understanding the land's hydrology. Located at the head of a watershed, the farm receives surface runoff from surrounding hills. The water management strategies, include using ditches to reduce surface runoff and enhance water use efficiency. In critical areas with steep slopes, the farm uses leaky weirs and check dams, constructed from on-site rocks, to slow down the water's flow and prevent destructive force. 

 

The farm has compost operation with a concrete composting area. The operation provides organic soil amendments by composting manures from horses, goats and chickens raised on the farm with regulated temperatures and humidity. The organic soil amendments are used by Juntos Farm and surrounding farms dedicating to regenerative agriculture.

The use of alley cropping is another key practice; by planting rows of trees alongside crops, the farm creates a moderated microclimate that conserves water while also improving soil health and biodiversity. The trees stabilize the soil against erosion, cycle nutrients from deep within the ground, and provide a habitat for beneficial organisms.