The hills of Los Pedroches in the Cordoba region of southern Spain provide imagery that will make any consumer's heart sing. The green, rolling hills are dotted with centuries-old acorn trees, wild flowers, herbs and grasses. Here and there a herd of black pigs huddle as they work their way through one patch to another, languidly sniffing out acorns for lunch.
It's the kind of picturesque production system that consumers wish were the norm, but which livestock farmers know doesn't offer up much profit. Unless you can bank on a price of R1 500/kg. That is the beauty of Iberian jamón, a ham produced by just 600 farmers in Spain, and world-renowned for its unique, sweet and nutty flavour.
To achieve top dollar, the ham must fulfil a list of criteria, including a Protected Designation of Origin certification. This means the ham must be produced in specific areas, since the environment has a big effect on the flavour of the meat. Iberian jamón therefore joins elite products like champagne, Parmesan cheese and Parma ham, which can all only claim their title if produced in designated geographical areas. In complete contradiction to most commercial farmers, Fernando Adell, owner of the Dehesa de Campo Alto farm in Los Pedroches, states that maintaining production methods put in place by his ancestors is his biggest challenge. "It's a natural, sustainable system that requires no improvement."
Denne historien er fra May 24, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra May 24, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
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An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
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The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
