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The project was established with the objective of demonstrating experimentally that soft fruit processing in the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees can be approached as a less aggressive and more sustainable form of climate change adaptation in the region. The project has become an innovation benchmark for mountain agriculture, as well as a powerful tool for economic diversification in the sector. Planting soft fruit crops at higher altitude to bring hectares of land into production with these and other species as a climate change adaptation strategy for the farming sector in Huesca. The project brings together various enterprising companies in the primary and agricultural processing sectors in Aragon, in alliance with the University of Zaragoza.Introducing experimental soft fruit crops at high altitude which are not as viable in more southerly regions due to the effects of global warming: high temperatures, lack of rainfall and greater pressure from infestation. High-altitude farms (Benasque valley) are brought together with farms on the plains of the Cinca Medio comarca (Albalate de Cinca) to diversify seasonal produce and the variety of crops, as well as increasing the value added of the produce.
Experimental cultivation of 1,800 m2 with 2,500 native (raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and Amelanchier ovalis) and non-native plant species (haskap and aronia). High-altitude 800 m2 plantation with species which are better-adapted to cultivation on valley floors which are at risk of being abandoned. Planning of a stepped harvesting system over various months (species cultivated with a complementary harvesting calendar) to lessen the seasonal nature of the work. Soil conservation, given phytosanitary measures are not necessary.
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Fruit Luxury (cherry horticulture)El Remós Garden Centre (production of blueberries and other soft fruit in Benasque)ZUFRISA (fruit processing)Fundación ECODES University of Zaragoza (postharvest technology research group).
Pyrenees, France