Category Archives: Others

Madrid Fusión 2023 Global Gastronomy Congress

A few days ago the XXI edition of Madrid Fusión 2023 was closed with the motto without limits, referring to the diverse and open nature of today’s cuisine, from remote locations and restaurants, urban gastronomy cooks, chefs, came to this congress. to claim their art and make it known. This year the most important gastronomy congress in Spain has exceeded not only the gastronomic limits, but also the figures in terms of attendance, participants, exhibitors and ticket sales. In previous years, such as in 2022, the product stood out and due to the pandemic it could not be 100%, this year all the meat has been thrown into the grill and the contest has been a resounding success.

Among the highlights of Madrid Fusión 2023 is the role and success that women have had this year in the world of gastronomy, although women are always in charge of kitchens, they have always come to occupy a second place in the culinary world. This year there have been many women who have been able to give presentations, be finalists and win contests such as the best dish made with Mortadella Trufada or being the Best Revelation Pastry Chef 2023.

 

 

Tips for Fall and Winter 2022 Production

Summer is coming to an end and we must start thinking and preparing our gardens for the coldest season of the year. In this blog post, from Agritech Solutions, we want to show you several tips that should be taken into account for the start and management of agroecological gardens during autumn and winter. Sowing dates, plant protection, soil conservation, among others.

More and more people are encouraged to produce their own food in their gardens. So the main question that we must bear in mind is that each species has its sowing calendar and this depends on the area in which you live.

If we delay the sowing date, we run the risk of climatic adversities for the normal growth and development of plants. This can have a negative impact on the final size of the product to be harvested.

As for the most appropriate vegetables to plant at this time, we highlight: Swiss chard, chicory, garlic, artichoke, celery, peas, onion and green onion. As well as coriander, spinach, broad beans, fennel, lettuce, parsley, leek, radish, beets, arugula and carrots.

One of the aspects that generates a lot of uncertainty is the amount of seeds that should be sown and at what depth. This will depend directly on the size of the seeds. The smallest such as lettuce, fennel or celery are sown over the entire surface, while the largest, such as beans and peas, are sown by placing one or two seeds per hole.

Once we have introduced or spread the seeds, a generous irrigation is very necessary.

Regarding the location of the garden, it is important to take into account the number of hours of direct sunlight. The more hours of direct sunlight, the better the growth and development of the plant.

Another important point is the availability of water and the characteristics of the soil. If this has good drainage and content organic matter plus a good subscriber, will favor the adequate growth and development of the crop.

If we have animals at home, we advise to fence the garden with some material such as reeds, wire or wood, to prevent their access to the garden.

If we are going to cultivate several spices, the distribution of the crops is important. At Agrirtech, we recommend association and crop rotation.

The association consists of combining, simultaneously, crops with different nutrient requirements according to the organ of harvest.

And the rotation is based on alternating plants from different botanical families and with different nutritional needs, in the same place during different cycles, preventing the soil from being depleted and the diseases that affect a type of plant from perpetuating.

How to save water in agriculture

How to save water in agriculture

Water, the most important ally for human beings. Water is life and it is a resource that day by day is unfortunately becoming more limited. Water is essential for any type of agricultural process, so its use must be exact and we must control, reduce and preserve this valuable asset.

One of the main causes of the lack of water on the planet is climate change. In many parts of the world, drought is a reality in which evapotranspiration is much more intense than the water resources of the lands. Summers are getting longer and rainy seasons are getting shorter.

Many crops are going out of production due to droughts. These crops, not finding water on the surface, stop developing and end up drying. Many farmers are choosing to produce other types of crops, more resistant to droughts, high temperatures and, above all, that are capable of developing in poor water environments and surviving for long periods. An example is the olive tree. It is characterized by having a large number of roots in which they can dig large surfaces of soil to find water.

Depending on the type of soil in which it is being cultivated, the amount of water can contain depends directly on its composition. For example, clay and porous soils can hold much more water than sandy soils.

Global warming favors potential evapotranspiration and changes in the behavior of rainfall in terms of frequency and intensity of rainfall. In general, this phenomenon creates large extensions of arid and semi-arid areas. Farmers who directly face the change of state of their lands must implement “sustainable agriculture”: water saving strategies, adopt new, more adequate and efficient irrigation systems.

How to save water?

One of the most common ways to save water is the collection of water from the ground. Favoring the infiltration of water so as not to allow it to escape through the drainage networks and thus improve the capacity of the fields.

Another way is the insertion of cover crops. In this way, the soil is not exposed between cultivation periods.

Keep water in the soil:

When water seeps into the ground, it must be protected to prevent evapotranspiration and eventual loss.

One way to protect and keep this water in the soil is surface tillage in the summer months. In this way, the rise of the water is interrupted, favoring the creation of a superficial layer that protects the lower ones, which are still very wet.

Choosing the best irrigation system:

Irrigation is useful during the development and production phases of the crop, that is, when there is a shortage of water.

As we have mentioned, the years or periods of drought are becoming longer and those water resources that are declining are increasingly necessary.

The most inefficient systems are those that work by flooding (25%) and furrows (30-40%; if they are carried out through slots they can reach 50% efficiency) causing an enormous leaching of nutrients from the soil.

“The most efficient irrigation systems are those that can distribute water at very precise points (85-90%), that is, near the plant, near the ground or directly on it. This saves time in terms of exposing the water to the air and water flowing from the pipe to the roots.”

Consequently, we must all work to achieve responsible use, trying to limit its waste.

Everyone involved in agriculture, sooner or later, must achieve the goal of being an efficient water saving system for their crops. There are technological solutions and tillage techniques that can also help achieve that goal; In this way, you will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but will also increase the productivity of the farm. A well-hydrated soil will be an optimal starting point to increase production.

Agritech participates in the meeting #IGrowYourFood organized by IFOAM

Agritech Solutions will participate on September 8th in the event #IGrowYourFood organized by IFOAM Organic International

#IGrowYourFood is a global day of action that celebrates the men and women who grow our food sustainably. From Agritech Solutions we invite you to join us on September 8th to learn about the work of farmers around the world and the challenges they face and how we can support them.

If you want to join us just fill in the registration form here

 

We are now a proud member of IFOAM Organics!

At Agritech Solutions we are very proud that our team is part of IFOAM Organic International. We are always looking for inspiration from the best references to achieve the highest level of quality of our products and to be proud of what we do.

Do you know IFOAM – Organics International?

IFOAM – Organics International is an NGO that promotes truly sustainable food production systems through the consumption of organic agriculture. We advocate a holistic approach to food production based on the principles of health, ecology, equity and care.

Founded in 1972 IFOAM – Organics International is an agent of change working towards truly sustainable food production systems through the consumption of organic agriculture.

From training and facilitating farmers’ transition to organic agriculture, to raising public awareness and advocating for sustainable policies, everything we do is intended to strengthen the organic movement and lead its advancement.

Building capacity and supply

As the demand for organic products is increasing faster than the amount of land available, it is essential to encourage new sources of supply. We work on behalf of the organic movement to facilitate organic development as an initiator and implementer of creative and agile projects.

In partnership with development and donor agencies, regional associations and related institutions, we promote the adoption of organic practices as sustainable solutions to poverty, food insecurity, soil erosion, biodiversity decline and climate change.

Defend policies and ensure systems that promote sustainable agriculture

We know that the wider political environment can either hinder the development of the organic sector or help it to flourish. Regulatory frameworks determine how organic products can be marketed worldwide and therefore have a major impact on the development of the organic market. That’s why we put a lot of energy into advocating for organics at local, national and UN levels, along with our training and supply work.

For decades, we have advised policy makers, national organic movements, NGOs and others on strategies to develop sustainable and credible organic sectors. We show how agricultural systems based on the principles of health, ecology, equity and care can address hunger, energy consumption, pollution, climate change, inequality and resource depletion

More than 800 members worldwide

We have over 800 members in more than 120 countries, including farmers’ associations, retailers, certifiers, processors and others. Every three years we organize a General Assembly where our members meet to shape the direction we take as the common voice of the organic movement.

Our strength and credibility derives from our broad base of members committed to the organic cause. We know that by joining forces with like-minded people we can bring about more positive changes in food systems around the world.

Author: Jennifer Black, Campaign and Communications Coordinator at IFOAM Organics International