Blat de la Marina: A project to recover indigenous roots that needs funding

Blat a la Marina is a project that began 4 years ago in abandoned fields of Jesús Pobre, Dénia, Xàbia and Gata de Gorgos. In these plots, the Riurau Sociocultural Association (ASR) is now growing wheat from native varieties that produce healthier flours than conventional ones and that represent a future alternative for empty fields.

To continue with the project, the ASR has started a process of crowdfunding through the Verkami platform to buy a mower, since the costs of renting it are too high.

Blat of the Navy

So far the project has been financed solely by the ASR but now, to continue moving forward, they need an external investment that allows them to continue developing the project.

The objective of the ASR is to offer a viable alternative, of a circular and local nature, to the abandonment of the fields of the region.

Blat of the Navy

In the initial phase of the project they were dedicated to multiplying seeds of native ancient wheat and now, that they are already in the fifth harvest, the association affirms that they are in a position to market four varieties of recovered seed and, in addition, transform that seed into flour . The latter is thanks to the support of the collective of artisan brewers, cat brewers, which has been encouraged to start a stone mill in Jesús Pobre.

Fields sown with wheat - Marina Alta

The start-up of the mill has been a decisive step in the project since it has been possible to confirm the quality of the grain with the production of very rich flours. Amorós blanc, Amorós colorat, Fartó and Assolacambres are the varieties that will be marketed at the moment. In addition, the Xeixa and Rojal varieties are in the flour multiplication and testing phase.

To continue with the project, the ASR asks for the help of citizens to buy a second-hand mower that guarantees the sustainability of the project. The association has found a mower in Benissa that is not being used and works well.

From the ASR they have stated that they would like the local society to feel part of this project that aims to recover ancient wheat, recover the natural landscape, biodiversity, agricultural heritage, the culture of wheat and, above all, the roots of the Marina Alta.