Corporate Social Responsibility
Award for Best Environmental Management of an Olive Oil Mill in Spain
The Spanish Association of Olive-Growing Municipalities (Aemo) and Deoleo, the world’s leading olive oil company, have presented the Los Remedios Cooperative with a prestigious award. The award is the runner-up prize for Best Environmental Management of an Olive Oil Mill in Spain, as part of the First Competition for Best Environmental Management of Olive Groves and Olive Oil Mills.
The jury members wished to recognize the environmental commitment that Los Remedios has upheld for years. As a true driving force behind the regional economy and a symbol of organic and sustainable production in the Sierra de Cádiz, the cooperative has established a well-recognized organic olive oil brand, Oro Natura, in the market.
Aemo has highlighted the cooperative’s efforts to raise awareness among its members, promoting organic and sustainable olive farming for years—a type of agriculture that, in addition to being environmentally friendly, is also the only solution for the future profitability of olive groves in mountainous regions.
The cooperative’s management of byproducts has also been recognized. Since the construction of its new facilities, the cooperative has relied on composting as the best solution for processing olive pomace, which is combined with olive leaves, olive washing water, and manure from livestock operations.
The use of this organic compost is significantly contributing to enriching the fields of the Cadiz mountains with organic matter. Additionally, olive leaves and olive pulp from the milling process are used to produce micro-silage for animal feed.
As a notable contribution to the company’s sustainability, it is worth noting that Los Remedios has a photovoltaic plant for self-consumption.
Furthermore, this past season saw the launch of a program to market firewood from members’ olive groves as biomass, thereby adding value to this byproduct and preventing it from being burned.
Environmental Sustainability
Water Management
Closed-loop cleaning systems, separate stormwater drainage network, wastewater treatment and reuse as feedwater for the composting plant, and lined ponds.
Energy Management
Installation of a photovoltaic system, maximizing the use of natural light, and preventive maintenance of equipment.
Emissions Reduction
Use of a biomass boiler at the mill that is fueled by olive pits that have been pre-processed on-site, prioritizing natural fertilizer (the mill generates its own compost) over chemical fertilizers
Waste Management
Recycling of pomace (through a waste management company) and grape pomace (part for biomass and part for composting) and production of our own compost from the organic waste generated by the process.
Responsible Economic Growth
We understand that economic success is not measured solely by financial results, but by how that success is shared and impacts our community and the well-being of everyone involved. To that end, we are guided by the following values:
- Transparency in management: we ensure that all members have a clear understanding of how resources are managed and where investments are directed.
- Equitable distribution of profits: We ensure that the profits generated are distributed fairly among all members, while also reinvesting in the improvement of our facilities and processes.
- Innovation and efficiency: we are committed to modernizing our production processes, always seeking continuous improvement and innovation in every area of our operations, from the field to marketing.
We believe this approach will allow us not only to grow as a cooperative, but to do so in a way that is sustainable, responsible, and beneficial for everyone.