On the occasion of the recent technical visits to organic farmers organised by the MedSNAIL team to the Andarax Valley, MedSNAIL's pilot area in Andalusia, we have learned about the success story of the farm Cortijo "El Cura", an example of business diversification that demonstrates how synergies can be found between organic food production and sustainable tourism through educational activities and awareness raising.

Antonio and Estefanía, owners and workers of Cortijo “El Cura”, in the municipality of Laujar de Andarax, tell how this family business, which had previously been dedicated to intensive agriculture, decided to abandon that form of production in favour of organic farming.

Amongst many other crops, they have olive trees and vines on their land, from which they produce their own organic wines and olive oil. They also play an important educational role, welcoming groups of tourists and schoolchildren to their facilities.

Inside the farm there is even a museum illustrating the traditional lifestyle of the region. The museum exhibits kitchen utensils, equipment and agricultural tools that are no longer in use, allowing the visitor to enter into an experience that enhances the cultural heritage that has disappeared or is in danger of disappearing.

The visits have also served to involve these producers in some of the initiatives being developed by MedSNAIL in the territory, such as the use of a labelling system with geographical indication of the Andarax Valley, or the organisation of an agri-market to exhibit local products.