Down to earth
We are on a mission to make sustainable agriculture mainstream. Permaculture, smart farming and all other innovative ways of embracing sustainable growth in agriculture have a place in our farm.
Our ambition is to accelerate the progress towards a sustainable food production by bringing the right people together on this (sweet) spot and uniting them together with a common goal: to understand integrated farming and learn together on and off the farm.
Research areas
Location
Named after the water spring in the area, Mavronero is located in the outskirts of Larnaca, close to the Stravrovouni Monastery. The estimated terrain elevation is 270 meters above sea level. The farm has been certified for organic olive farming since 1982, features more than 1000 olive trees and a variety of other trees and wild herbs, and has the river Poúzis crossing the land.
The Mavronero farm includes an office and farmhouse on the land.
Visit Mavronero on explorer.land
Our focus subjects
Soil and compost
Soil is crucial in agriculture for the various functions it provides to plants and trees, hence the need to understand and regenerate it. Working with microbes, fungi and organic waste will be a huge part of our research, not only because of the essential influence on the health of soil, but also because they play a crucial role in circular agriculture and carbon farming.
Agricultural engineering
Our first focal point in agricultural engineering is irrigation. We are developing a solar powered drip irrigation system that is adapted to the specific needs of an olive farm. Next, we are going to test small sized agricultural photovoltaics for plants or feedstock.
Smart farming
Through adaptive learning processes, we aim to improve existing structures by utilising science-based and data-driven approaches. This will allow us to test procedures step-by-step, evaluate our methods, and innovate several aspects of sustainable farming.
Mavronero Activities
Farm – university research cooperation
We strongly believe in learning through exploration and practical hands-on discovery. The farm provides the opportunity for university students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice, test theories, gain experience, and showcase their work to visitors.
Learn at Mavronero and link research to results
Mavronero is an attempt to link research to the daily needs of businesses. All outcomes need to be reality proved – by us and others interested in trying new (or forgotten) methods. We provide insights, support, and training.
Organic produce
Apart from organic olive oil and olives, we are producing and selling organic honey, as well as herbs and teas. Our online shop is set to open this summer and will ship to all European countries.
Map with zones
Here you can explore the planned land use. If you want to find out more about our methods and focus areas, please get in touch.
The existing olive trees can be easily spotted on the map. At the moment in a mostly monocultural plantation. But this will be changed.
The areas around the olive trees are planned for planting and afforestation: to get a higher biodiversity, to produce other goods and to enrich the soil.
Almost as large as the productive zone will be the protection zone with wild herbs and bees. Reforestation may be started at the borders of the farm and extended with volunteer projects to the surrounding areas.
Partners
A project like Mavronero only works with a strong network. These are our partners and supporters.
Work with us
We appreciate your input!
If you are a farmer, organisation, business, university or student interested in working with us on the Mavronero project, please complete the contact form and will be in touch for more information.