Josep Mestres

Josep is a certified agroecological farmer since 2014. He is based in “La Vall, Benifallet” — the valley where the Canaletes River ends its course after flowing for 30 km with clean waters from “Els Ports.” It is an exceptional environment for developing organic agriculture, as it lies within a protected natural area with Mediterranean forest and riverside habitats.

The cultivation of more than 40 varieties of vegetables and 20 varieties of fruit enriches the surroundings, creating positive synergies with wildlife by providing food and water sources throughout the year across different crops. Although this diversification of crops makes production more complex and costly, Josep believes that the best system for this landscape is the development of various small-scale crops, thus generating a more positive impact on the environment — ensuring that at every moment of the year there is life and biodiversity in different stages: birth, growth, development, maturation, and decomposition.

The cultivated area consists of 15 hectares of mixed vegetable gardens, 2.5 hectares of assorted fruit trees, and 1.3 hectares of carob trees. The fact that it is such a diversified farm also has a positive socioeconomic impact on the area, as it provides permanent employment for 11 people throughout the year and work for an additional 5 people during the 6 busiest months.

"It is a family estate that was purchased by my great-grandfather. Although I did not come from a farming family, I have always had an interest in the land, which led me to study Agricultural Engineering. After working for five years in sustainable forest management, I decided to start this organic farming project, as I believe it is the only truly sustainable model — both in terms of biodiversity and social and economic justice."