At Rancho Palmar, we don´t just work the land – we rebuild
We believe that healthy soil and sustainable farming can heal both the environment and our communities. What started as a piece of land once used for cattle farming is now being transformed into a food forest, where nature and agriculture are in balance.
This work is more than a project to us – it’s a chance to make a real difference. Regenerative farming is our way of fighting against soil damage, loss of wildlife, and climate challenges. At Rancho Palmar, we’re planting the seeds of a better future, one where the earth, its people, and the communities around us can all grow and succeed together. This mission is our way of giving back to the land that has always given to us.
How it started
Since 2022, I (Paloma) decided to leave city life behind, as my desire to do things differently was not very successful. I lived in a constant struggle where I felt I couldn’t aspire to have a positive environmental impact; instead, I focused on minimizing harm as much as possible. With that decision also came the abandonment of my studies in biology. The demotivation came from seeing that the focus of academia was driven by the interests of those who fund universities (pharmaceutical companies and the agrochemical industry). I moved to live on the ranch where my father used to have cattle. The land wasn’t very fertile due to the practices that had been carried out in the past, and I committed myself to regenerating it. Life in the countryside has taught me that you can have a "simple" life full of purpose, where every action in daily life contributes positively, from going to the bathroom as a way to regenerate the soil to bathing or washing clothes as a way to water the banana plants.
Women Cultivating
We are mainly female farmers who are dedicated to regenerative farming, working in harmony with nature to restore soil health and promote sustainable practices. Our efforts go beyond agriculture; we aim to create lasting social change by empowering coman in rural communities, fostering economic independence, and building a more just and resilient food system.
Our Mission
We invite neighbors, local farmers, and businesses to collaborate and build a strong community. By sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and supporting one another, we aim to create a network of like-minded people and organizations committed to ecological restoration.
In the long term, we hope to supply food, vegetables, and consultation services for agroforestry to local farms and businesses, promoting a more interconnected local food system.
On the farm
Food forest
The idea behind a food forest is simple yet powerful: creating a space where plants and trees grow together, just like in a natural forest. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about building an ecosystem that improves the soil, attracts wildlife, and helps the land stay healthy for the long term. Through agroforestry, we’re combining the best of nature and farming to create a place where everything works together in harmony.
SAF´s (Sistemas Agroforestales Sintrópicos)
Syntropic agroforestry systems are highly productive systems that make the most of space by planting a diversity and density of species. These systems are designed so that all these species mutually benefit from each other, so that as the system matures, it requires minimal irrigation and human intervention. In these designs, we select fruit and timber tree species with high economic value to create a chain that benefits the farmers.
Fire barrier
In the first six months of living on the ranch, we were affected by a fire that burned the 8 hectares of the land. This fire was started by a rancher who decided to burn his property to later plant grass for his cattle, and the fire got out of control. This made us reflect on the huge global problem with fires, which is why we decided to protect the land by creating a barrier along the edge of the ranch (in the direction where the wind usually comes from), planting species that store large amounts of water inside and stay green throughout the year, such as nopal (prickly pear), banana, cassava, and neem.
Mules
With us there are two mules helping us prevent fires while eating all the dry grass in the areas that we haven’t plant Syntropic Systems. They also are good to have a ride and enjoy their nice company.
Bioconstruction
The cabins we have were built with natural and local materials, using the COB technique, where the structure was made with bamboo from Rancho las Nubes and covered with clay from the area. These constructions are cool and durable.
Capomo production
The capomo tree (Brosimum alicastrum) has a natural ability to convert CO2 from the air into a form of carbon that stays in the soil for a long time, thanks to biomineralization. This not only helps fight climate change but also improves soil health and its ability to retain water. Using this tree in agriculture can generate food while also benefiting the environment, making soils more stable and healthy.
Tree nets
Experience Nature Like Never Before with Tree Nets. Discover the perfect blend of comfort and nature with our Tree Nets. Our high-quality structures allow you to live amongst the trees, creating a unique and serene space to relax, unwind, and connect with the environment. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a cozy, nature-filled getaway, our Tree Nets offer an exceptional experience, designed for comfort and built to last. Step into a world where nature and quality meet – and make your tree-top dreams a reality.