Here’s the translation:
The PepsiCo Foundation, in collaboration with Alvalle, has launched the “VivaOliva” program in Jaén, aimed at promoting regenerative agricultural practices in olive cultivation. This ambitious project involves 150 farmers from the InterOleo Group and focuses on soil health and efficient water management while seeking to open new economic opportunities and encourage generational change in the agricultural sector.
In its first year, “VivaOliva” has been implemented in Bedmar, where farmers have begun adopting a sustainable agricultural model. Mariela Valdivia, the advisor for InterOleo partners, emphasizes that the success of the program will depend on the ongoing measurement of indicators related to soil, water, and biodiversity. This strategy will enable informed decision-making for the benefit of the families involved. Additionally, the program aims not only to improve crop quality but also to create job opportunities for women and young people in rural areas.
Participants in “VivaOliva” will receive technical training and specific advice to implement practices such as compost fertilization, cover crops, and water infiltration trenches. All these actions are part of a measurement plan supervised by organizations committed to sustainability, such as the Earthworm Foundation, The Sustainable Smallholder, and The Regen Academy.
The PepsiCo Foundation supports this initiative with an investment of 300,000 euros, aiming to promote a more sustainable and resilient agricultural model that aligns with its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) goals. The anticipated transformation aims to create a positive impact in communities by integrating sustainability criteria into economic growth.
“VivaOliva” aspires to become a benchmark for sustainable agriculture in Spain, positioning itself as a model that meets the needs of farmers and the expectations of increasingly socially-conscious consumers. Alvalle, which sources 100% of its Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the province, has reaffirmed its commitment to rural development and improving the quality of life for smallholder farmers in Andalusia.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
