Atlantrees: Pioneering Sustainable Avocado Farming in the Heart of Portugal
Atlantrees: Pioneering Sustainable Avocado Farming in the Heart of Portugal
15 May 2023
Established in 2021 by two Israeli entrepreneurs, Atlantrees aims to innovate traditional farming methods and become a significant European provider of sustainably grown avocados.
Atlantrees is nestled in Montargil, a prime agricultural area of the Alentejo region that provides fertile soils and abundant water. The project's first phase involved preparing and planting 30 hectares in 2022. They are currently planting an additional 20 hectares.
The farm employs protective nets to create a controlled microclimate, shielding the avocado trees from adverse weather conditions such as frost and heatwaves. These nets improve fruit yield and quality, reducing sunburn and wind damage by 95%. By optimising sunlight distribution, Atlantrees can maintain year-round cultivation, leading to a 20% increase in class 1 fruit.
The venture's dedication to sustainable farming practices is noteworthy. They utilise low-flow drip irrigation systems with dedicated sensors to minimise water usage, eschew herbicides, limit pesticide use and promote soil health and biodiversity by planting cover crops and incorporating organic matter into their fields.
Atlantrees' strategic location in Portugal offers numerous advantages, including the ability to supply fresh, locally grown avocados directly to the $4.6 billion European avocado market that the venture seeks to disrupt.
Our visit to Atlantrees was an enlightening experience that allowed us to witness first-hand a sustainable, technology-driven, efficient farming model that holds significant potential to reshape the avocado industry.
The Land Group
