Innovation

The business’s core activity consists of the dehydration of fodder, which is increasingly becoming more sustainable since these innovations were introduced:

The firm has decided to invest in multicyclones to generate organic matter to nourish agricultural fields and reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers. These multicyclones collect residual dust and small particles of fodder released by the chimney and mix them with water to create the natural enricher. This is the business's contribution to SDG number 12 (responsible consumption and production) given that the firm has succeeded in managing an efficient use of natural resources (target 12.2). Moreover, given that these chemicals are given another use, there is a reduction in waste generation, as requested in target 12.5.

However, despite the significant economic and environmental benefits reaped, the firm sought higher rewards. This is why the firm has focused on selling carbon rights (permits issued by certified companies as a reward for their sustainable agricultural practices). These are acquired by excelling at carbon preservation through a process that consists of not tilling and turning the fields, as it used to be done in bygone days, but instead letting the C02 fixate into the soil. This way La Pastora simultaneously aligns with two SDGs. Firstly, number 13 (taking climate action), improves human capacity for climate change mitigation and impact reduction (target 13.3). On the other hand, the idea also complies with SDG number 12 as it finds a way to manage soil contamination (target 12.4).

Inspiration

The company’s expertise in their field and their ambition led them to explore broader capabilities. La Pastora conducted a research study and after determining the feasibility and economic advantages, they put into practice their innovative ideas:

Regarding the multicyclons, the large quantity of waste produced encouraged them to find an alternative use for it. Here is where the analysis was conducted and determined that there was indeed an alternative life for the released particles: “After analyzing it and seeing that it was a very fertile organic matter, we considered that by collecting it with water we were able to collect it better and a fermentation occurred that increased the organic matter”.

The 2030 agenda played a key role in the development of the last innovation, the sale of carbon rights. This agenda has put great pressure on numerous industries and businesses to develop a more sustainable activity that complies with the agreements stated. This effort is rewarded through carbon rights that can be traded among companies, which ultimately generates an economic incentive. Companies that emit CO2 into the atmosphere must own carbon rights, which they buy from those who generate these rights. La Pastora jumped at the opportunity of producing these permits, given that their core business activity perfectly suits the requirements of carbon rights ‘generators: “We thought that being an agricultural company in some way we could contribute to the cause, and we discovered that by improving agricultural practices and maintaining the vegetation throughout the year we generated carbon rights.”

Overall impact

La Pastora's dedication to enhancing the practices used in fodder production has led to an overall positive impact. From the recycling and reallocation of harmful emissions to the introduction of a new market, there is significant evidence that proves that the company has reaped the benefits of contributing to sustainability.

Implementing multicyclones is an important initiative that aims to mitigate environmental concerns associated with chimney emissions including dust and tiny particles of alfalfa. In addition to reducing air pollution, the creative method of gathering, and compacting this material and combining it with water turns it into premium organic fertilizer, a valuable resource. By minimizing the environmental impact associated with traditional farming methods, this transition to sustainable agriculture practices benefits the ecosystem as a whole and benefits the company by lowering its reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Entering the carbon rights market is the third strategic action that puts the company at the forefront of the battle against climate change. Through the use of sustainable agriculture practices such as reduced tillage and little use of chemical fertilizers, the company hopes to produce carbon rights, which would make it a desirable commodity in the marketplace. Sticking to methods that improve soil carbon sequestration shows a positive attitude toward environmental responsibility. Further, a certification process by independent firms is used to emphasize accountability and transparency, guaranteeing that La Pastora’s actions are in line with established benchmarks for environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.

All things considered, these endeavors display a comprehensive dedication to sustainability.

Business benefit

Because the business implemented multicyclones to collect the dust and small particles of alfalfa emitted by the chimney to produce fertilizers and because they are selling carbon rights, several good things are happening to the company. Using these two innovations, besides the economic and environmental benefits, discussed below, is very important to the brand image enhancement using sustainable producing processes. This brand image enhancement makes more potential clients interested in buying La Pastora Quinto S.L products.

First of all, and talking about the multicyclones, the business has the opportunity to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and start using organic ones. This will reduce the costs of buying fertilizers since they use the one they are producing, so they probably will collect higher benefits. Moreover, they get to grow alfalfa with a better quality, since they reduce the chemicals in their corps. This results in overall higher buyer ́s satisfaction and greater brand ́s loyalty.

On the other hand, talking about the sale of carbon rights, the company has to improve its techniques to sell these rights which make the company more sustainable. This trade of carbon rights generates extra benefits which are reinvested in agricultural improvements.

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Social and environmental benefit

The innovations and sustainable practices that are implemented by our chosen company offer significant benefits to both society and the environment in the following ways:

Improvement of Air Quality: The efforts made by the company to capture and manage emissions are not only good for the environment and the impact the company has but also result in cleaner air for the local community with positive effects on the health of the public.

Waste Reduction: With the recycling of the dust and small particles of alfalfa that are emitted from the chimney into high organic fertilizer, waste is minimized as is also the need for other chemical fertilizers. This is a sustainable approach that also helps protect soil health, reduces the pollution of the water, and aligns with Nr. 12 of the SDGs (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture: The company promotes environmentally friendly farming methods by using sustainable agriculture practices such as less tillage and less chemical fertilizer to generate carbon emissions. This supports biodiversity and soil health while also aligning with Nr. 15 of the SDGs (Life on Land).

Economic and Social Benefits: The commitment of the company to sustainability and awareness of environmental harm can enhance its reputation and attract customers who share the same view or are generally environmentally conscious. Moreover, it can create job opportunities related to clean energy resources and sustainable agriculture which again not only benefits the local community but also the economy.

Overall, these innovations benefit society by reducing environmental harm, more specifically by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, and supporting the protection and conservation of natural resources.

Interview

José Manuel López Martín, CEO