Altiplano Almond Grove
Yecla, Región de Murcia
About this farm
A dry-farmed almond grove on the Yecla highland plateau in the north of the Murcia region. We grow late-flowering varieties suited to drought and spring frosts, with most of the land farmed without irrigation. The crop is sold in bulk to a local mill and huller.
Story
The estate began in 1978, when the Ortuño family converted part of an old vineyard to almonds to diversify after several poor grape harvests. In the 1990s the rows were replanted at wider spacing for mechanised cultivation and to give each tree a larger soil-water reserve. In 2015 the third generation brought in late-flowering varieties such as Soleta and Belona to dodge frost, and set aside a strip with supplementary drip irrigation. It is run today by a family partner alongside two permanent workers and seasonal crews for harvest.
Farming practices
Dry farming with minimal tillage and cover crops between rows to retain moisture and curb erosion; supplementary drip irrigation only on the most exposed strip, plus integrated pest management with monitoring traps.
Crops
- Marcona almond
- Soleta almond
- Belona almond
- Guara almond
- Largueta almond