AREFLH is a partner of LivingSoiLL – “Healthy Soil to Permanent Crops Living Labs”, an Horizon Europe project funded by the European Commission.
This month, we share a new testimony in the ‘Stories from the Field’ series, featuring Teresa Fernández Teruel and her inspiring journey in sustainable farming.”
Teresa Fernández Teruel is an inspiring farmer from the Sierra de Segura in Jaén, southern Spain. With a degree in Biology and specialized training in organic agriculture and livestock, Teresa made the bold decision in 2008 to convert her entire family farm to organic production. Her diverse farm includes 1,100 olive trees, 300 cherry trees, 200 walnut trees, and a hectare of vegetables—all managed with a commitment to sustainability.
Over the years, Teresa has combined her scientific knowledge with hands-on farming experience, becoming a reference in her community. She was a founding member of both the “Segura Ecológica” Association of Organic Producers and the organic olive oil group “Oleaí.” Though no longer part of these groups, she continues to promote local, organic production by milling her olives at Oleofer and selling high-quality oil under the brand Tierra de Tavara—directly to a trusted network of consumers.
Teresa’s farm faces serious challenges, including soil erosion, drought, and the high costs of maintaining organic systems on steep mountainous terrain. To address these issues, she’s adopted regenerative and biodynamic practices that enrich soil health and support plant vitality. Though rain-fed and limited by climate, her soil is now considered to have some of the highest levels of organic matter possible under the local conditions.
For Teresa, understanding and observing the soil is second nature. While she doesn’t always carry out laboratory tests, she monitors soil health through plant diversity and tree condition. She believes that soil health should be treated as a public good, calling for greater government involvement in soil monitoring, just like water.
Her story highlights the essential role of knowledge sharing, fair pricing, and resilient farming practices. Teresa’s journey is a strong example of how science, tradition, and innovation can work hand-in-hand to build a more sustainable agricultural future.
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You an also read all previous articles written by AREFLH on this project here
This project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement Nr. 101157502.