Case Studies
EM Virgin Olive Oil from Century Old Trees
Andalucia, Spain
Overview
H&LOOP's 1) EM Virgin Olive Oil is made from the rare "Cuquillo" variety, cultivated without pesticides at Hondonada Farm in the Segura Mountains of southeastern Spain.
Located in a nature reserve known for its biodiversity and clean air, the farm has been producing olive oil for over 400 years and is now led by Ms. Rosa Rubio of Agro Alvarez Perez SL.
Most of the olive trees are over 100 years old and are carefully harvested by hand, one by one, instead of using mechanical tree-shaking methods.
The "Cuquillo" is a rare, local, non-hybrid variety, and its cultivation helps preserve genetic diversity in olive trees and supports regional biodiversity.
Reason for Introducing EM Technology
In search of an environmentally friendly farming approach that supports both biodiversity and productivity in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem, producer Ms. Rosa Rubio began transitioning to more sustainable practices.
EM Application
Six years ago (as of 2025), Hondonada Farm began incorporating EM Technology into its cultivation process to improve soil health and restore ecological balance.
Activated EM・1 is applied as follows:
・Weekly during late winter, spring, and the October harvest period
・Through the irrigation system to ensure even distribution
・Via foliar spray as an added measure
Activated EM・1 is applied as follows:
・Weekly during late winter, spring, and the October harvest period
・Through the irrigation system to ensure even distribution
・Via foliar spray as an added measure
Producing EM Virgin Olive Oil
Extracted gently at low temperatures using a chemical-free centrifugal process, the oil retains the olive’s full flavor and nutrient profile.
Effects and Results
The introduction of EM Technology has led to benefits:
・Increased harvest volume: Trees produced more fruit than before.
・Reduced pest and disease incidence, lowering the need for intervention.
・Healthier soil and trees, contributing to the longevity of this heritage farm.
・Enhanced product quality: The olive oil’s aroma, flavor, and nutrient profile have remained strong and consistent.
・These practices enhance microbial diversity in the soil and improve overall plant health, helping to preserve the integrity of the century-old olive trees.
・EM Virgin Olive Oil is exported to Japan and available at the EM Wellness Kurashinohakko Lifestyle Resort.
・Increased harvest volume: Trees produced more fruit than before.
・Reduced pest and disease incidence, lowering the need for intervention.
・Healthier soil and trees, contributing to the longevity of this heritage farm.
・Enhanced product quality: The olive oil’s aroma, flavor, and nutrient profile have remained strong and consistent.
・These practices enhance microbial diversity in the soil and improve overall plant health, helping to preserve the integrity of the century-old olive trees.
・EM Virgin Olive Oil is exported to Japan and available at the EM Wellness Kurashinohakko Lifestyle Resort.
1) H&LOOP (Hand Loop) is our initiative to promote agriculture from the ground up, guided by the belief that “making both people and the planet a little richer” is possible.
Our goal is not only to promote sustainable farming, but also to inspire people to think about "the health of those who grow food, those who eat it, and the global environment."
Guided by the principle that “what grows from the soil returns to the soil,” we practice upcycling that keeps resources in circulation.
Through this, we aim to build a society rooted in environmental conservation, regeneration, and sustainability.
Our goal is not only to promote sustainable farming, but also to inspire people to think about "the health of those who grow food, those who eat it, and the global environment."
Guided by the principle that “what grows from the soil returns to the soil,” we practice upcycling that keeps resources in circulation.
Through this, we aim to build a society rooted in environmental conservation, regeneration, and sustainability.
(June 2025)
