A young Spanish olive oil producer has decided to try using geese as weeders in his family´s olive groves. By doing so he not only hopes to keep down undergrowth, he also strives to promote the survival of an endangered Spanish goose.
Juan Olivares is a young olive oil producer from Castilla La Mancha, an area of Spain perhaps more famous for its cheeses than its olive oil. However, Juan´s family has been producing olives for at least five generations. I met Juan a few years ago taking a long series of courses at the University of Jaén to become an expert olive oil taster.
By learning to taste, he hoped to make his family’s award-winning olive oil Pago de Peñarrubia even better.
The delicate Arbequina he produces won a Gold Award at this year’s New York International Olive Oil Competition.
It was obvious from the moment we met that he was a person that was going to make a mark. So it came as no surprise when we spoke to Juan more recently that he had a very unique project starting in his olive groves.
He laughed as he told me that his geese are his babies. “Do you want to see them? I will send you pictures.” He spoke as if he were a new proud grandmother who just had her first grandchild. Of course, we wanted to see them!
Many groves use sheep and horses to keep undergrowth down between olive trees, but after reading some studies that were being done in the U.S. on the use of geese in agriculture, Juan decided that it was worth a try.
From ancient Egypt until the 1950s geese were used in agricultural practice. The Romans, the Chinese, even Charlemagne encouraged the use of fowl for weeding. Before the introduction of herbicides in the 1970´s there were geese.
Their light feathered bodies and webbed feet do not compact the soil like other livestock and they do not munch on lower tree branches or cause tree damage. Geese are also relatively easy to maintain and can offer other economical gains such as feathers, meat and eggs.
Juan was convinced. It was a cheap experiment. The most expensive element was building a fence. He had the perfect setting, an area in the older groves that was divided into three terraces that he now uses as three test plots. In the first terrace he implements the geese and compares the plot with the other two.
He chose his geese wisely. It took him time to investigate and find the breed he wanted to use. In the end he opted for an endangered Spanish goose, Oca Empordanesa, whose use in agriculture he thought could also promote the biodiversity of a native species.
It was not easy to find a breeder. However, once he did, he bought 10 geese when they were still goslings. Now there are 9. One went missing and he believes it is possible that a predatory bird snatched it up.
They have just now become full-grown and Juan is hoping to be able to see some results in his test plots soon. Only time will tell if this young farmer is on to a new trend in olive oil farming.
Juan assures us that the geese are not always at work weeding. They also have a lovely pond where they splash about and spend their free time.
More articles on: biodiversity, olive farming, olive tree cultivation
Jun. 22, 2023
Drinking Olive Fruit Water Can Aid Exercise Efficiency, Research Suggests
Olive fruit water is a by-product typically thrown away during olive oil production. However, its antioxidants may hold benefits for recreational athletes.
Jan. 29, 2024
Verde Louro Among Brazil's New Generation of Outstanding Producers
In Rio Grande do Sul, the young producer overcame climate extremes to win four awards at the World Olive Oil Competition.
Jun. 26, 2023
Late Winter Rains, Heavy Blooms Herald a Promising Season in California
A wet and mild winter followed by strong flowering has olive oil producers feeling good about the coming harvest.
Dec. 12, 2023
Production Rebound Still Expected in France After Mixed Harvest
Production could rise to 4,400 tons, though some producers are seeing worse yields than last year.
Oct. 3, 2023
California Olive Farmers Turn to Birds for Natural Pest Control
Olive farmers are boosting bird populations and biodiversity by creating and preserving bird-friendly habitats to help control pests.
Apr. 17, 2023
Aceite de Madrid Receives Protected Designation of Origin Status
The extra virgin olive oil, produced primarily with Manzanilla, Castellana, and Cornicabra olives, becomes the country’s 32nd PDO.
Aug. 14, 2023
State-of-the-Art Irrigation Management Leads to Rising Yields in California
To endure a changing climate, new approaches for managing and optimizing irrigation are paramount.
Jul. 6, 2023
This Small but Mighty Producer Takes a Traditional Cretan Variety to New Heights
Award-winning Silvergreen elevates the products of Crete via the Tsounati, a delicate but rewarding olive variety native to the Greek island.