Managing biodiversity in a modern citrus farm is an essential component of sustainability and regenerative agriculture. It goes beyond simply protecting; it’s about actively integrating and fostering wildlife and ecosystems within and around farms to improve productivity and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

For a company like Evyan, biodiversity becomes an agronomic tool and a differentiating factor in the market.

1. The Central Objective: Biological Control by Conservation

The cornerstone of biodiversity management in citrus is Conservation Biological Control. This involves creating a suitable habitat on the farm to attract, feed, and shelter the natural enemies (beneficial fauna) of citrus pests.

Key Practices to Promote Beneficial Wildlife:

• Hedges and Biological Corridors: Plant plant species that are not hosts to citrus pests along the edges of the property or on the verges of roads. These plants serve as shelter and a source of nectar (an alternative food source) for natural enemies year-round, even when the pest population is low.
• Vegetation Cover Management: Avoid tilling the soil and the indiscriminate use of herbicides in the streets. Vegetation cover provides a microclimate and shelter for predatory insects (such as ground beetles).
• Reduction of Chemical Agents: The most effective measure. The use of broad-spectrum insecticides is the main culprit in the destruction of beneficial insects. The company should transition to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, using low-impact products or biopesticides to protect beneficial insects.

2. Habitat and Landscape Conservation

Biodiversity management in citrus farming extends beyond the fruit tree, encompassing the entire farm environment.

• Non-Productive Areas: Maintain uncultivated areas, such as slopes, ditch banks, or irrigation ponds. Regenerate vegetation in these areas, creating a habitat for local flora and fauna.
• Water Resources Management: Irrigation ponds and canals not only fulfill a water function, but, if managed ecologically, they become refuges for amphibians and birds, acting as wildlife hotspots.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Conduct biodiversity inventories (flora and fauna indices) to measure the impact of actions and establish continuous improvement goals.

3. Responsibility and Certification

Biodiversity management is not just an internal practice; it is a market requirement validated by certifications.

Biodiversity management at Evyan means adopting a model where nature works for the company, resulting in high-quality harvests with less environmental impact and reduced pest control costs. It is a cornerstone of sustainable competitiveness.