This is just the beginning of our efforts to transform the farm into a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem.
Since 2021, when we began to take over this land from our aunt, we’ve been working with what we have, nurturing the land and its resources. Our farm is a story of recovery and growth, a testament to resilience.
We take care of over 200 olive trees that have endured harsh conditions over the years. After a devastating fire in 2012, diseases, and years of neglect, these trees have survived against the odds. The soil here is nutrient-depleted, very dry, and in need of significant care. Yet, despite these challenges, the trees stand strong, and with each season, we see new signs of regeneration.
In 2018, 800 pomegranates were planted on a nearby hill as part of a government subsidy program. However, when we acquired the land in 2024, the pomegranates had been left uncared for, and the 3-hectare plot was simply a monoculture. Just like the olive trees, we are beginning to focus on improving the soil and ecosystem here.
Since taking over, we’ve let the ground breathe. By giving the land time to recover naturally, we’ve witnessed a beautiful regeneration of local herbs and lavender. This is just the beginning of our efforts to transform the farm into a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem.
Our future vision includes:
• Improving water harvesting techniques to better manage the scarce resources.
• Transitioning the farm away from monocultures and bringing back more local plants and herbs to restore biodiversity.
• Supporting the regeneration of the soil with organic and sustainable practices.
• Developing a fire safety plan and implementing agroforestry and permaculture principles to protect the land from wildfires and ensure long-term sustainability.
There are also eucalyptus trees on the property, which we’ve been sustainably harvesting using the traditional Japanese pollarding method — cutting the trees higher up to allow the base to remain standing and regenerate over time. This method encourages new shoots to grow, which we can then harvest once they’ve matured into small trees. These eucalyptus trees have been on the property for many years and are part of the land’s unique history.
This year marked a milestone as we had the support of WWOOF volunteers who helped us with pruning the olive trees. Together, we are working on building half-moon terraces around each olive tree to improve soil retention and prevent erosion.
We are documenting everything we learn along the way, as we continue to experiment, evolve, and share our journey. With each step, we’re creating a place where nature, knowledge, and care coexist — and we invite you to join us in this evolving process.
CONTACT
