Importaco Group established the Importaco Terra company in 2015 with a clear goal: to start an agricultural integration project that would boost agricultural development through the Spanish-variety almond cultivation. All under a more sustainable supply chain management model. What are the hallmarks of this company? How has it evolved throughout the last few years? Keep reading to find out.
Hallmarks of Importaco Terra
Working towards a more sustainable supply chain management model has allowed Importaco to continue advancing towards a Total Quality System, implementing a thorough food safety control system all the way from the field to the delivery of the final product. Only this way is it possible to offer end consumers products that are safer and of higher quality, while at the same time having a firm commitment with rural development through the purchase of national products.
In the words of Francisco Pons, former President of Importaco, during the public presentation of Importaco Terra: “a responsible supply chain management and the coordination of the departments with the client allows for a high level of service quality”. He further stated, “The profitability of the entire chain is assured by attaining the maximum efficiency and the integration of the entire value chain”.
The most important achievements of Importaco Terra during the last few years include:
- Reducing the water footprint: Protecting water resources and guaranteeing an efficient use.
- Energy efficiency, through the installation of a solar photovoltaic plant as part of the exploitation, which generates the necessary energy for the irrigation pumps of the entire property.
- Integrated Production Models, with an agricultural production system that implements practices that are in line with the protection of natural resources and the preservation of the soil and landscape.
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Almond cultivation information and chronology of this project
2015: First sowing
It begun with 22,300 trees in more than 60 hectares.
Cultivation area expansion and first almond harvest
Between 2015 and 2019, the area first grew to 80 hectares, and later to 150 hectares, making use of fields in Montijo (Badajoz) and Vidigueira (Portugal). The first almond harvest took place in autumn of 2019.
June 2020: notable growth in the almond growth area
On this date, Importaco Terra started sowing its third almond field, reaching a total sown area of 550 hectares.
Other Importaco projects linked to the field, the soil management and the Spanish almond
Projects for the protection of bees in the cultivation of almonds
As pollinating insects, Bees play a key role in the cultivation of almonds. As part of its agricultural integration plans, Importaco trains farmers to abide by agricultural practices that respect the indigenous fauna, such as the responsible use of phytosanitary products and the protection of habitats in cultivated lands.
Projects related to the eradication of bitter almonds
Participation through Almendrave (Spanish Almond Board-Almendrave, Agrupación de Exportadores de Almendra y Avellana de España) in the “Detection and Eradication of Bitter Almond” Taskforce, which has the ultimate goal of detecting, eliminating and completely eradicating bitter almonds from the Spanish market.
Importaco has also joined Proalmendra, a society of nut farmers of the Valencia Community, to work together towards the elimination of bitter almond from plantations of Maestrazgo with the goal of eliminating 100% of these nuts by 2022.
Agricultural Integration Project
The goal of the Programa de Buenas Prácticas Agrícolas (Good Agricultural Practices Program) is to guarantee high standards of food safety, quality and sustainability in the cultivation of nuts. We offer the most efficient support for each case: from a direct involvement in cultivation projects to monitoring them. In this way, we adapt to the specific needs of both agriculture and the persons that work in this field.
The program includes products such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, corn and pumpkin seeds. In total there are 450 collaboration agreements with farmers, which are focused on turning consumer expectations into technical cultivation parameters. The profile of each crop is generated through on-site visits, determining the risks associated with the agricultural conditions of the plantation.
Factory specialised in almond and almond paste processing
Importaco’s almond factory has become one of the most specialised in the group by incorporating the processing of almond paste. This product has a nutritional profile that makes it a highly valuable ingredient for the food industry.
Do you want more information about Importaco Terra and our work as almond producers? Contact us or visit the following video.