Two Key Climatic Factors in Aloe Vera Farming

On the occasion of the celebration of World Water Day, we want to talk you about the importance of managing water resources in agriculture, as well as exposing some technical reasons why we started with aloe vera in our priviledged Natura 2000 Network farm located in southeast Spain.

Aloe requires few water resources, dry environments with moderate thermal amplitude, and abundant hours of direct sunlight per year. Finding these basic requirements simultaneously is not that easy in continental Europe, where the demand for quality organic aloe vera products is constantly increasing.

Our farm is located in southeast Spain, near the town of Águilas (Murcia), where the conjunction of these factors is a reality that favors organic aloe vera farming, an alternative for a sustainable development of agriculture in the region.

The main enemies of aloe are frost and excess humidity, therefore, the main climatic factors that affect the cultivation of aloe vera are:

1. Pluviometry. The arid and semi-arid areas of southeastern Spain are characterized by prolonged periods of drought and low rainfall. The rainy season usually embraces the months of September to May, with an annual rainfall average of 275 mm of rain spread over approximately 31 days (source: climate-data.org). The climate of Águilas (Murcia) is hot-desert, following the Köppen BSh climate classification.
2. Temperatures. The annual temperature average is high (19.7ºC) and the thermal range is moderate, which is another fundamental aspect that favors aloe cultivation. This plant is characterized by its high content of polysaccharides, reaching its maximum splendor thanks to the more than 300 days of sunshine per year that we enjoy in our growing region.

Our project contributes to keeping the lands of the Mediterranean regions of southeastern Spain productive, in a climate change scenario where the adaptation of crops to the scarcity of water resources is more than necessary. ATALAYA BIO organic and biodynamic aloe vera is project of present and future for the region. We grow our aloe vera plants in a unique and privileged enclave of continental Europe, where the demand for local ingredients by the cosmetic industry and that of food supplements is constantly increasing.

Having Canary Islands climate in continental Europe, give us the advantage of being closer to the European market, with less carbon footprint and easier shipment. So now that you know where our products come from!