More than 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe come from the agricultural sector, mainly from the use of fossil fuels. But thanks to the soil’s organic carbon storage capacity, agriculture is essential in mitigating climate change. The introduction of practices based on the three principles of conservation agriculture – minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and species diversification through crop rotation – promotes carbon sequestration and minimises greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently in Europe there are more than 7 million hectares managed under the principles of conservation agriculture, with Spain, with approximately 2.2 million hectares, leading the ranking. Thanks to farmers such as Mr. Pedro Maestre and Mr. Antonio Conde, these practices are successfully carried out in Spain.
Pedro Maestre, farmer and agronomist has been managing more than 750 ha of extensive crops in conservation agriculture for more than 20 years in Alcalá de Guadaira (Seville).
D. Antonio Conde, a young farmer and agronomist, manages a family farm of 5 hectares of traditional olive groves. Of traditional olive grove with vegetation cover located in Castillo de Locubin (Jaén).
