Heading: A new agroecological approach to the cultivation of olive trees
Subheading: Join us in protecting century-old olive groves
Our ethos
The Themelion project is founded on a set of beliefs that dictate the respect of our agricultural heritage and the protection of natural ecosystems. Our mission is to prevent the abandonment of traditional century-old olive trees which are highly important for the Mediterranean ecological stability.
We combine science with traditional hands-on expertise to develop and implement agroecological innovations that can help small olive growers improve the production capacity of traditional olive groves while protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity. Consumer support is critical
Themelion Agroecological Principles and Practices
Our principles help small olive growers shift from conventional farming to the ecologically-holistic cultivation of olive trees.
- Ecological balance: The presence of shrubs, small trees, and local plants benefits the olive trees.
- Living soils: Grass growth during winter and minimum soil disturbance improves soil fertility.
- Carbon capture: Chopping olive pruning residues or left on side has multiple positive effects for the olive trees. Burning must be avoided
- Biodiversity: The protection of wild flora and fauna is beneficial both to the olive grove and the overall ecosystem.
Symbiosis: biodiversity and the olive grove benefiting from each other.
The olive grove has never been a monoculture as it tends to become today. Since ancient times olives have grown alongside many different plant species, either wild or cultivated.
As part of our work, we explore local plants that can grow next to traditional olive groves, so they all benefit. Chamomile, thyme, and oregano can supplement olive products, and producers can earn extra income from biodiversity-enhancing plants.
The symbiosis of biodiversity and the olive grove is a key element of the Themelion Project.
Forming an Eco-Farming Network
We have formed a network of traditional olive growers who are now integrating our agroecological principles into the production of high-quality, organic extra-virgin olive oil.
We promote agricultural practices founded on ecological principles as it is now vital to understand the relationship between olive trees and their environment and benefit from their interaction.
Our agricultural practices go beyond organic; however, every olive grower who wants to join our network must hold an official certification of their organic methods.
Research and continuous improvement
Alongside local farmers, we are continually exploring practices that improve the production capacity of traditional olive groves while producing extra virgin olive oil of the finest quality.
After years of research, development, and practice, we share our agronomic knowledge with olive growers and influence their agricultural practices to better our planet.
Ecologically conscious olive growers also share their experiences with us in our joint effort to optimize environmentally friendly management practices. We study the olive groves in the long term, as naturally occurring changes take time to develop.
