09 Jul Señoríos de Relleu wins 2nd Prize in the 1st Sophie Nurseries Competition for the Promotion of Olive Diversity
National recognition of our commitment to olive diversity
In Señoríos de Relleu we are in luck. Our project “Active conservation of the oleodiversity through a collection of more than 100 varieties of olive trees in mountain cultivation” has been distinguished with the Second Prize Ex-Aequo in the I Sophie Nurseries Competition for the Promotion of the Oleodiversity 2026.
This recognition rewards years of work dedicated to the conservation, study and enhancement of the genetic heritage of the olive tree, helping to preserve traditional and minority varieties that are part of the agricultural and cultural wealth of the Mediterranean.
More than 100 varieties of olive trees in a unique collection
Our project, located in Relleu (Alicante), brings together a collection of more than 100 varieties of olive trees grown in real Mediterranean mountain conditions. This initiative was born with the aim of conserving traditional and not very widespread varieties, studying their agronomic behavior and evaluating their potential for the production of differentiated extra virgin olive oils.
The collection includes Spanish and international varieties from Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Morocco and other countries, constituting an authentic living germplasm bank and a unique space for agricultural research.
A project developed from mountain olive groves
Our olive grove is located in an environment of traditional mountain terraces, where many tasks must be carried out manually. This agricultural model contributes to:
- Preserve the traditional Mediterranean landscape.
- Prevent soil erosion.
- Maintain agricultural activity in rural areas.
- Preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the olive grove.
In addition, the farm actively participates in biodiversity conservation initiatives such as the Olivares Vivos+ project, promoted by SEO/BirdLife, which aims to recover the biodiversity of the olive grove and increase its environmental and economic value.
Innovation, sustainability and biodiversity
The varietal collection is managed under organic farming and regenerative agriculture criteria. Among the actions carried out, the following stand out:
- Varietal adaptation study.
- Use of multifunctional vegetation covers.
- Follow-up of productivity and maturation.
- Biological pest control.
- Monitoring of irrigation and climatic conditions.
- Analysis of the quality of the oils obtained.
We have also incorporated vermiculture systems that allow us to transform pruning residues, oil mill leaves and olive pomace into earthworm humus, improving soil fertility and closing the nutrient cycle in a sustainable manner.
Recognition of many years of effort
The jury highlighted that these are:
“A work that comes from very long, very well focused and understood, with collaborations and a public approach that demonstrates the know-how and merit of continued entrepreneurship.”
These words are an important endorsement of the work carried out for more than a decade to demonstrate that varietal diversity can become a tool for innovation, differentiation and sustainability for the olive sector.
We continue to work for oil diversity
This award encourages us to continue researching, conserving and disseminating the genetic wealth of the olive tree, convinced that diversity is one of the keys to facing the future challenges of the sector, from climate change to the differentiation of quality extra virgin olive oils.
We would like to thank Viveros Sophie, the competition jury and all the people and entities that collaborate with us in this exciting project.
Oleodiversity is the future. And at Señoríos de Relleu we will continue working to preserve it.