In our restaurants and hotels, we have always been committed to freshness, quality, and sustainability. So, we have great news! On June 5th, World Environment Day, we will be introducing our own garden with an open day event.
A garden aimed at sustainably and consistently supplying the group’s restaurants and hotels with fresh, high-quality, organically grown products.
In celebration of World Environment Day, on June 5th, we will open the doors of this space located in La Muela (a village of Vejer de la Frontera), so that neighbors, nature lovers, and anyone interested can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of organic farming.
At the Califa, we are committed to sustainability and innovation in every aspect of our business. We are proud to take this significant step towards a greener and healthier future with our own organic garden, a project that reflects our commitment to excellence, health, and environmental sustainability,” says James Stuart, director of the Califa Group.
Andrew Bates, a 31-year-old American, has always been passionate about the countryside and nature. He left his hometown of Chicago in 2011 to work on farms on the West Coast. In Spain, he has spent the last five years in vegetable gardens in the Sierra de Cádiz, working with a chef, and has now established La Muela as his place of residence, launching this garden.
According to the farmer, “the first step is to establish a plan. In our case, we have fertilized this land with biochar, organic matter that increases soil fertility and promotes the growth of microorganisms; worm humus, extremely rich in microorganisms, and feather meal. Similarly, we are conducting sap analysis to determine the plant’s condition, properties, and any deficiencies. Depending on the results, we adjust the plan accordingly, based on how the plants respond.”
The objective is to ensure that the plants have nutritional density to prevent pests. “We use many heirloom seeds, carefully selected, because, in my opinion, heirloom seeds have the ability to interact with soil microorganisms much better than conventional seeds because they have been reproduced in living systems for centuries, and once you introduce them into a living ecological system, they know how to interact with that community unlike what happens, for example, with hydroponic cultivation.”
“Our garden will allow us to offer our customers the highest quality food, grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Every plant that grows in our garden is cared for using natural methods, ensuring that what reaches their tables is healthy, safe, and delicious. Furthermore, this project is an opportunity to educate and raise awareness within our community about the benefits of sustainable agriculture,” adds Regli Álvarez, director of Califa.
Open day
On June 5th at 6:00 pm, Califa opens the doors of the garden with a guided tour of the facilities and a talk on organic farming and environmental conservation; soil and crop density; among other topics.
Another objective of the open house event is to celebrate and recognize the importance of agricultural work in our society, highlighting its impact on sustainability, the economy, and local culture.
An event designed to educate, inspire, and connect all nature lovers, advocates for environmental respect, and enthusiasts of good food.
