Where tradition meets new technologies – the best organic farmer Clara Benito Pacheco
*** Applications for the EU Organics Awards 2024 are open, visit our website for more info and apply by 12 May! ***
During the second edition of the EU Organic Awards, on 25 September 2023, 8 awards have been granted to inspiring individuals from all over Europe to celebrate their passion and dedication to organic farming. Ms.Clara Benito Pacheco was awarded “Best Organic Farmer (female)”.
Ms. Clara Benito Pacheco runs the organic goat farm Entrelobas in the northern Sierra de Madrid. Combining centuries long tradition with innovative technologies, the project aims at restoring the biodiversity of the soil through optimal grazing.
Thanks to the GPS system, Clara can locate the herd and programme virtual fences from the phone respecting the times of vegetation and allowing the soil to regenerate, retain its moisture and capture more CO2. In addition to the positive impact on biodiversity in the region, Entrelobas also participates in fire prevention in the Community of Madrid, maintaining firebreak strips, and collaborates with universities that are interested in seeing how soil regeneration evolves through management with cattle.
“I am passionate about this way of life, I am passionate about being able to inhabit this territory and I am very proud because I truly believe that regenerative livestock farming is at a turning point at the current moment.” says Clara Benito Pacheco.
Since 13 April 2023, Entrelobas project has been officially certified organic, and since 25 September 2023 Clara Benito Pacheco is officially recognised as the Best Organic Female Farmer of the European Organic Awards 2023 – a role-model for other farmers pursuing the dream to combine their passion for organics and their way of life.
Want to learn more about the other winners of the EU Organic Awards 2023? Read our dedicated article.
The annual European Organic Awards reward the most excellent and innovative actors in the organic value chain. Jointly organized by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe, they aim to stimulate organic production by sharing the inspiring stories of actors who achieved excellence in this field. Organic production combines the best environmental and climate practices and enhances biodiversity and the health of soil and plants. Its fundamental role has also been recognized by the EU, which identified organic production as playing a key role in the achievement of the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork strategy and the Biodiversity strategy.
Want to be the next winner of the EU Organic Awards? Applications for the 2024 edition are open until 12 May! Read more on our website and apply today!