The producer of the project Hiru Xilo performs traditional agriculture, with products that have always been produced in its surroundings: lettuce, tomato, beterrabes, col, onion… In addition to vegetable garden, in autumn he has planted fruit trees, mainly blueberries: “They are still small, within two or three years they will start to bear fruit,” he explains. It has introduced fruit trees on a three-hectare plot, at the moment it has land for rent.

From the outset, it was clear that Sara’s producer would work on the ecological model. “I wanted to work on a fairly widespread model in horticulture, developed by a Canadian, Jean-Martin Fortier. We call it an intensive biological,” explains the young man. Biological and intensive, the opposing concepts may seem in the first blow, but the model is the one that comes from the world of permaculture, known in French as maraichage sur sol vivant. The name refers to the intensity of biological activity of terrestrial bacteria, and the farmer does not perform deep work with plough or similar instruments. He ceases his work to the vesicles and terrestrial microorganisms to obtain rich soil and high production in a small space.

Direct sale on the plot itself

Next to the house, the Saray Valley sells most of its production through direct selling. “I put three days a week for direct home sales,” he says. Some nearby restaurants also use their product. “At the moment I’m very happy, there is demand and I don’t find it hard to sell the product,” the young man adds.

When starting the project, the producer has been in contact with the Chamber of Agriculture of the Basque Country, and has shown great collaboration with paper and permits. He is also a member of the Biharko Land Association. “I train with them, they give me advice… it’s important to be in contact with the network, and I’m quite happy, it’s having a good experience,” he concluded.