Tenerife, known for its beautiful sunsets and lush landscapes, is also home to a sustainable paradise – Finca La Calabacera, an eco farm located in the west of the island, close to Playa San Juan. We recently had the privilege of touring this remarkable place and were truly inspired by their dedication to ecological farming and sustainability. Eco farming in Tenerife.
A Commitment to eco-friendly practices
One of the first things that struck us about Finca La Calabacera was their unwavering commitment to ecological farming. They produce everything on the farm using organic methods, and their dedication to avoiding waste, conserving water, and creating healthier, tastier products is truly commendable.
Water conservation is a top priority at Finca La Calabacera. They use a dripping irrigation system for their plantain plants, which not only ensures that each plant gets the right amount of water but also significantly reduces water consumption. This eco-conscious approach is a testament to their commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Recycling everything: From Scraps to fertilizer
Nothing goes to waste at Finca La Calabacera. Food scraps are transformed into nutrient-rich compost, which is later used as fertilizer for their crops. This closed-loop system not only reduces waste but also enhances soil health, resulting in more vibrant and nutritious produce.
Dulce, the owner of the Finca, shared an interesting practice with us during our tour. The chickens on the farm are regularly moved to new enclosures. This unique approach ensures that the entire Finca benefits from their natural fertilizer, promoting a healthier ecosystem. It’s a simple yet effective way to utilize resources efficiently.
PLantain plant insights
We were fascinated to learn about the life cycle of plantain plants. The flower of the plantain plant emerges from the trunk, climbing its way to the top before blooming. To support the weight of the emerging fruit, the plant must be stabilized, showcasing the intricate care that goes into each plant’s growth. Surprisingly, plantain plants have relatively shallow roots, extending only 40cm into the ground, making it even more important to ensure their stability as they grow.
Plantain plants on the farm are always part of a family. When a plant matures and produces plantains, it’s referred to as the “madre” or mother. Each mother plant has around 15 “hijos” or offspring, but only one survives in the end. After a mother plant completes its fruit-bearing cycle, it becomes the “abuela” or grandmother, while one of its hijos becomes the new madre, ensuring a continuous cycle of growth.
Preserving sustainable farming legacy at finca la calabacera: Dulce's vision and methods
Dulce, the visionary behind Finca La Calabacera, has owned the farm for many years. She is currently writing a book detailing all the processes at the Finca to pass down her knowledge to her children, who will one day manage the farm. This dedication to preserving their sustainable practices for future generations is truly heartwarming.
One of the secrets to Finca La Calabacera’s success is their use of nets strategically placed above the plants. These nets serve a dual purpose – they keep out potentially harmful mosquitos that could cause plagues and protect the crops. To further prevent plagues, the plants are regularly sprayed with water, but no harmful chemicals are ever used, ensuring the produce remains pure and organic.
supporting sustainable agriculture at finca la calabacera: HOw you can get involved
If you´re as amazed as we are by the work the people at Finca La Calabacera are doing and you want to support ecological agriculture, there is one important thing to do: Support the farmers by buying their products. As simple as it sounds, it´s the best kind of appreciation you can give them.
The fruits and vegetables grown at Finca La Calabacera can often be found in regular supermarkets, though you may not always know if you’re buying their produce. However, by choosing organic products, you increase the chances of supporting this eco-conscious farm.
Alternatively, you can visit the markets in Playa San Juan and Alcala every week to purchase their fresh products. For those seeking convenience, they offer a delivery service, delivering their delightful produce to homes all over the island.
This year, as Dulce told us at the end of our tour, the finca got lucky with their trees of mangas (not to be confused with mangos; they´re related but still a different type of fruit and at least as tasty as mangos!), which have grown so many fruits they almost have too many of them. Therefore, the best thing you can do to support the Finca is to buy many mangas, and of course, all the other delicious products they offer. Promise, you will not be disappointed!
Finca La Calabacera is more than just a farm; it’s a testament to the beauty of sustainable agriculture and a commitment to preserving the environment. We left the farm with a newfound appreciation for eco-friendly practices and a desire to support such initiatives that truly make a difference in our world. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Tenerife, a visit to this extraordinary place is a must for anyone who values sustainability and delicious, wholesome produce. Eco farming in Tenerife.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today.
- Dulce and the whole Team from Finca La Calabacera
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Federico Nigro; Videographer
- Jette Beyer; Sustainable Hotels and Tourism Development Manager
- Our amazing Sponsor: Adeje Verde
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Finca La Calabacera is such an incredible role model every farmer on the Canary Island should follow! I’m just speechless!
We gained so much knowledge into the practices and secrets of Finca La Calabacera, they truly are an inspiration!
Love this place … Dulce is a superstar!!
Dulce has incredibly much knowledge, it was awesome to listen to here and learn so much about ecofarming, it was amazing!