What's Happening?
The Government of Asturias has initiated a groundbreaking project by converting an old mine shaft in Laviana into Spain's first underground greenhouse. This initiative is part of the Agroalnext program, funded by regional resources and European Next Generation funds, aiming to establish future agriculture that is green, digital, and climate-resilient. The project involves testing substrate-grown crops under energy-efficient LED lighting in the La Raya gallery of the Carrio well. The experimental trial includes five plant varieties, such as sprouts, aromatic plants, leafy greens, wasabi, peas, mushrooms, and salicornia. The goal is to identify species that can adapt to underground environments, promoting sustainable and energy-efficient cultivation. The project is supported by the Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service (Serida) and the Hunosa mining company, with technical development by Cantábrica Agricultura Urbana.
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Why It's Important?
This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable agriculture, utilizing underground spaces for cultivation. It offers advantages such as constant temperature and humidity, lower energy consumption, and year-round harvesting. The project aligns with the European 'Farm to Fork' strategy and the World Health Organization's One Health approach, aiming to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. By repurposing old mines, the project provides innovative solutions to climate change and territorial development challenges, potentially transforming former mining regions into hubs of sustainable agriculture.
What's Next?
The results of the experimental phase will guide the development of future underground greenhouses, utilizing water and energy from old mining operations to achieve sustainability and self-sufficiency. The success of this project could inspire similar initiatives in other regions, promoting Agriculture 4.0 as a viable economic opportunity for areas affected by mining decline.
Beyond the Headlines
The use of underground spaces for agriculture is already practiced in countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, and Finland. This project in Spain could lead to broader adoption of underground cultivation, offering a new dimension to agricultural practices and contributing to global efforts in combating climate change.
