Both agricultural productions have clear objectives: to contribute to soil conservation as a service crop and as another option for plantation rotation.
These crops were added to the product portfolio, which includes soybeans, corn, cotton, beans of different colors, peanuts, sorghum, rapeseed, rye and fodder radish.
Soil conservation is a crucial aspect of agricultural sustainability and ecosystem health. Practices such as crop rotation and the implementation of service crops play a key role in this process. Crop rotation not only helps prevent erosion and maintain soil fertility, but also interrupts pest and disease cycles, reducing the need for agrochemicals.
On the other hand, service crops, such as pulses and grasses, protect the soil during periods of agricultural inactivity, improve soil structure and promote biodiversity. In addition, these practices contribute to nitrogen fixation, which reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
The combination of crop rotation and service crops not only preserves soil quality, but also promotes a more resilient agricultural system adapted to the challenges of climate change.
Moreover, “crop diversification allows us to participate in different markets and sell our products at different times of the year,” said Ramiro Aznar, Agriculture Manager.
We have managed to plant 399 hectares of safflower at Pozo de la Espuela establishment (Salta) and we took the first steps by planting 290 hectares of sunflower in Las Marías orchard (Tucumán), which responds to the window of opportunity generated by the early harvest of corn.
“We harvested 1,000 kilos/hectare of safflower, and we expect 2,500 and 2,600 kilos for sunflower. These results are due to the heavy rains that have taken place since September,” said Ramiro Aznar.
Safflower is an erect and branched annual oilseed of the same family as sunflower, which is characterized by being a species highly adapted to arid conditions. According to the Crop Index of the Agronomy School of the University of Buenos Aires, safflower was originally grown for its flowers, which were used to make red and yellow pigments for coloring clothing and food. Today, safflower is used to generate oil, flour and bird food, and is part of the so-called “biofuel boom” for its energy potential.1
According to the August 2024 edition of the Agricultural Estimates Report prepared by the Ministry of Economy, 13,000 hectares of safflower were planted in the country, constituting an incipient development of this crop.2
On the other hand, the area devoted to sunflower grew by 9.3%, compared to 2022/23, to reach 2.3 million hectares, according to the aforementioned report.
In addition, in agriculture, 3,000 hectares were added under lease. The added fields will be used for traditional crops (soybeans and corn), cotton and pulses. Both properties are located in areas where the company has already been working, thus consolidating its presence and making better use of the company’s infrastructure. Both El Trébol and Estancia Tenené have joined production with the summer harvesting seasons.
In the 2024/2025 summer season, Agrogranadera del NOA will sow 39,000 hectares, representing a 34% growth in the area in comparison with the previous 2023/2024 season.
This growth results from the incorporation of 3 new establishments, Tenené Establishment (Isca Yacu, Santiago del Estero), El Trébol Establishment and Buenaventura Establishment (Las Lajitas, Salta). As a result, 10,000 hectares meant for agricultural use exclusively have been added.
We managed to join Argentine Responsible Cotton (ARA), a platform that certifies production which respects people and the environment. ARA is a voluntary standard inspired by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) model, the specific seal for cotton plantations that covers more hectares in the world. ARA is in keeping with the crop certification policy that we promote and through which we have already achieved certification for soybeans (Round Table on Responsible Soy or RTRS) and corn (RTRS and Farm Sustainability Assessment SAI).
“We know that agricultural certifications are a fundamental pillar to guarantee the quality and safety of our products. In northwestern Argentina, where crop diversity and weather conditions are unique, adopting sustainable practices is not only an environmental responsibility, but also an opportunity to position ourselves in international markets. The implementation of sustainability standards enhances our reputation and increases the competitiveness of our products, benefiting us as producers and as well as the development of the regions,” said Ramiro Aznar, Agriculture Manager.
References
1) ““Cártamo” [“Safflower”], Department of Industrial Crops. Agronomy School, University of Buenos Aires.
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2) “Estimaciones agrícolas” [“Agricultural Estimates”], Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock Farming and Fishing, Ministry of Economy. 2024.
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