Our Vision

Nectar Ingénierie Oléicole is the project manager of the NECTAR programme, dedicated to creating an organic, regenerative, productive and resilient olive-growing sector in south-western France.

NECTAR'S EXPERTISE & MISSION

Olive Growing Today: A Sector Facing a Shortfall

Today in France, domestic olive oil production covers only around 4% of national consumption. Worldwide, less than 10% of olive groves are organically farmed.
The world's main olive-growing regions are bearing the full brunt of climate change and environmental crises.
Olive trees have been cultivated in Occitanie since Antiquity, but were massively replaced by vineyards during the 20th century. Today, the olive tree's tolerance to drought makes it more resilient than other crops, especially when grown using agroecological practices.

NECTAR, a Sector for the Future

At NECTAR, we are just as passionate about ecology as we are convinced that a sustainable approach must also be productive and profitable to ensure its success. That is why we have developed an agroecological olive-growing model, combining our environmental convictions with an ambitious economic vision.

Men and Olive Trees

Our Areas of Expertise

NECTAR’s scope of activity includes the development of olive groves, the creation of a processing facility, research and development, training, as well as the creation of distribution channels. It is a fully integrated, regenerative value chain designed to generate significant added value.

In figures, this represents:
- > 1,000 ha of olive groves
- > €30M in agricultural and industrial investment
- > 50 jobs
- > 30,000 t of CO₂ stored
And a significant increase in biodiversity.

Olive Growing

Different approaches:

Acquisition of agricultural land to establish olive groves and manage the entire operation through to harvest
Supporting farmers in their transition to and diversification into olive growing
Supporting landowners in enhancing the value of their agricultural land

Our first olive farm is located 5 km south of Carcassonne, nestled in the foothills of the Malepère in the Aude region. The 150-hectare farm includes 50 hectares of forest and 100 hectares of olive groves planted with four different varieties. A range of agroecological infrastructures is being implemented across the farm, including 7 km of diverse hedgerows.

Olive Oil Production

NECTAR takes meticulous care in selecting the right technologies and controlling industrial processes at its olive mill, ensuring the exceptional quality of its olive oils.

Vacuum-Sealed Olive Oil Storage Facility

Professional Training and Employment

Our goal is to revitalise careers in olive growing. Together with the Occitanie region, which is responsible for education, we aim to restore the prestige of olive-growing professions and make the sector more attractive to young graduates.

We want to bring new momentum and energy to the industry, while creating new employment opportunities.

Close-up of olive leaves, with three men talking in the background.

Research and Development

A comprehensive field research and innovation programme is being carried out across several areas:

Ecosystem services provided by biodiversity and agroecology
New farming practices and technical approaches
New olive varieties that are more productive and resilient

Close-up of producer Alexis Muñoz tasting olive oil at the mill.

Our Vision of Agroecology:

Crop Diversification

NECTAR increases genetic diversity by planting four main olive varieties, along with around ten secondary varieties, distributed across the different plots.

We also foster plant biodiversity by sowing diverse cover crops, including cereals, legumes and brassicas, and by planting diverse hedgerows both between and within plots.

Organic Farming

Our production is certified under the Organic Farming label, reflecting our commitment to developing a sustainable olive-growing sector.

Field of young olive trees with cover crops growing on the ground.

Soil Conservation

Soil is the foundation of life and a vital resource for agriculture, yet it is increasingly exposed to erosion. We use several practices to protect our soils: minimising soil disturbance, establishing and managing cover crops, and naturally enriching the soil.

Very young seedlings emerging from the soil, covered in water droplets.

Improving Water Cycles

Revitalised and covered with vegetation, our soils will help distribute, infiltrate and store water across the land, reducing erosion and improving water availability for crops.

NECTAR also uses a drip irrigation system to optimise water use. This is combined with deficit irrigation techniques to encourage deep root growth and fruit production.

Biodiversity Development

Within the NECTAR orchards, we integrate groves, diverse hedgerows and ponds, nesting boxes and flowering areas, connecting them to form a cohesive ecological network. These agroecological infrastructures provide food and shelter for pollinators and beneficial insects, while also supporting our soils and their mycorrhizal networks.

Pile of coins bringing young seedlings to life.

Economy

The ecosystem services provided by nature enable us to reduce our reliance on external inputs while developing productive and profitable farming systems.

Through agroecology, NECTAR minimises production costs and optimises the economic performance of its olive groves.

Close-up of about ten hands coming together to celebrate teamwork.

Community Engagement

NECTAR is also a societal project that brings together farmers, training and research institutes, businesses, associations and other stakeholders in its implementation. We aim to provide solutions tailored to local contexts while strengthening the autonomy and engagement of the communities involved.

Awareness and Education

NECTAR organises diverse hedgerow planting days with local authorities, businesses, schools and a wide range of other groups, helping to plant the seeds of awareness.

NECTAR also works with schools, from primary education to higher education, to raise awareness and provide training about our professions.