March 25, 2016
Now that we have acquired the appropriate licensing to clear and plant neem over 700 hectares of Fazenda Rio Grande and Fazenda Palmeira Grande, this next phase of implementation will see nearly 300,000 neem trees in the ground – taking us one step closer to becoming the largest producers of neem on the planet.
Following extensive research conducted by our in-house agronomists, we have more than doubled the amount of neem trees grown per hectare on our plantations as we look to maximize capacity, achieve the highest yields and return the greatest profit.
A new generation of neem saplings developing at the nursery
By revolutionizing agriculture through the adoption of ecologically sound practices throughout our plantations, we continue to uphold and invest in the solutions to the world’s most significant challenges. Taking this a step further, we have dived into the production of an incredible crop with several benefits to mankind – neem. Convinced by our passion to create real value alongside a new era of sustainability, we strive towards a new, environmentally productive and lucrative future for us all.
Harnessing the Tree of the 21st Century
A feature of community life in Asia for centuries, neem is rapidly becoming renowned worldwide for its contributions to sustainable agriculture and organic healthcare. Mainly utilized as a natural pesticide and fertilizer, while being a healthy additive in livestock feed, recent studies have demonstrated the tree’s capacity as an antiviral, antibacterial, antimalarial and anti-carcinogenic. Immune to resistance, entirely biodegradable and cost effective, neem is a valuable solution at a time when mosquito borne viruses such as Zika and Chikungunya are proliferating. With the capacity to service a broad range of markets, from the retail, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, this incredible (soft) commodity also supports the decisive shift to healthier food and supplies the increasing demand for organic products worldwide.
Neem saplings ready to transport from the nursery to FRG and FPG
After acquiring all our neem seedlings from Universo Agro, Brazil’s leading seed distributor and agricultural services firm, we immediately house them in our nursery for the initial stages of plant development. Each sapling, placed in a grow bag full of soil and applied with the appropriate nutrients vital for growth, is monitored and nurtured by our specialist agronomists for at least six months. Having reached the appropriate age for life on our plantations, we have now begun transporting and planting a new generation of neem saplings.
A new batch of saplings arriving on our plantations
Investing In Our Mutual Future
416 neem trees are now being planted in each hectare, rather than the originally planned 200, with a spacing of 6m x 4m between each tree. In line with the latest research, our agronomy team believe that this is the perfect volume to maximize productivity without compromising the quality of yield nor inhibit a cost effective harvesting program – which in turn will yield the highest possible returns for our clients and ourselves. The initial outlay for planting has obviously increased and this extra outlay is being borne by us, exemplifying our continued belief in this project and the profit potential within. Outlaying a little more today, in order to generate more in the future.
This improvement has become possible through our continued desire to ever evolve and improve our practices, our association with the very best experts in the business and our steadfast commitment to the project. As part of making this reality, we are utilizing our in-house team to expand the amount of neem saplings available in Brazil by vastly increasing the scale of our very own nursery and producing genetically select trees from the top producing neem trees in the country.
We are planning a plantation tour in Q3/Q4 of this year and hope as many of our clients as possible will be able to attend to see these improvements and the expansion of our project first hand (tour details to be announced when finalized).
Once measured, the placement of each tree is marked with a pole as a point of reference
Securing the Very Best Soil for our Trees
Once each hole is dug in preparation for planting, the soil is prepared and applied with our own blend of organic fertilizers. This will ensure the most beneficial environment for our trees, grounded by soil full of the nutrients necessary for maximum development. First calcium carbonate is applied, providing the soil with high levels of calcium and magnesium and reducing the acidity that naturally exists in the topsoil. This favors the microorganisms found in the environment that are beneficial for sustaining life.
Our team of agronomists carefully plan and execute the fertilization process for every tree on our plantations
We then add calcium sulphate derived from purely natural origins (gypsum), which allows for the roots to bind to deeper layers of the soil and removes any excess (and damaging) aluminium in the earth. We also apply a natural organic compound found in chicken manure, which will strengthen the organic material already found in the soil. This is vital for the initial months after the neem tree is planted as it allows for a greater absorption of water during the rainy season. Finally, and most importantly, natural phosphate acquired from sediment found in Africa, Tunisia and Morocco is applied at the time of planting to facilitate growth.
The first neem tree planted of this phase
Saving the World One Tree at a Time
Each individual neem sapling is planted manually, with the upmost care, after the holes have been dug and the organic fertilizers have been applied. Now exposed to the natural elements, we ensure that each tree has the appropriate levels of crop protection as these first months are integral for tree development. The most important element of crop care in this period is the fight and control of leaf cutting ants Atta and Acromyrex; the major pests found in the initial phase of neem growth. After this control, we will see an accelerated rate of growth for our neem trees just in time for the rainy season here in Brazil.
The neem seedlings for our next stage of planting have been ordered and will be sent to our nursery in the coming weeks
While we continue planting on Fazenda Rio Grande and Fazenda Palmeira Grande, the next generation of neem seedlings are making their way to the nursery for initial care and development. This production cycle of sourcing seedlings, preparing the land and planting trees will be vital in the coming months and years as we build the largest neem plantation in the world.
In order to view more pictures of daily life on our plantations, please be sure to visit the Unique Gallery. A new Plantation Development section of the Unique website will also become available next week, hosting regular updates on implementation activity as and when it occurs on the ground.
