Carvalhal
Ruben Jorge
Farm name
Carvalhal
Farm size
52 hectares
Location
Idanha-A-Nova, Portugal
Farm type
Agroforestry
Social structure
Association
Produce
Pistachios and chestnuts
Sales Channel
Markets and grocery stores
Contact information
Carvalhal Website
Ruben’s transition to regenerative farming
Climate Farmer since
May 2021
Necessary investments
-
Tree seeds
-
Mower / 20,000 €
How did you learn about regenerative agriculture?
Various books, articles, podcasts and workshops.
New practices
Mulching, residue management, reduced herbicide and fertiliser application, no harrow usage, and increased diversity of tree species.
No chemical inputs
Agroforestry
No harrow usage
Mulching
The benefits of regenerative agriculture
Farm profitability
- 25% reduction in water use
- Soil restoration remunerated
through Carbon+ Credits.
Ecological benefits
-
1.5% increase in organic matter
-
More noticeable presence of biodiversity
-
Reduced soil erosion and increased water retention
Social impact
- Happiness in his job
- Satisfaction when seeing the ecosystem improve
Further expected benefits
“I believe the future of agriculture and forestry lies partly in some sort of basic payment for good practices that benefit wider society.”
How we collaborate
Manolo is using our Carbon+ Program to transition to regenerative agriculture and access an additional income stream along the way.
Through the program, he is getting paid to implement new practices that will bring him closer to his goals.
“Without economic incentives, we are limited to philanthropy and time-limited projects. We need to think long-term and act accordingly.”
Planned additional practices
Cover crops, organic matter application, increased residue management, and agroforestry
Motivation to join the Carbon+ Program
“I believe the future of agriculture lies in true sustainability, which includes the economic as well as the social and environmental.”
How Ruben expects Climate Farmers to support his transition
With information, advice and funding
Earning estimates
Between 5,000€ – 15,000 € per year
(subject to carbon sequestration)
