Hydration for our Saplings
December 7th, 2016
As with most saplings in their infancy, it is critical to ensure optimal amounts of nutrients and water in the early stage of their growth. This picture highlights an additional protective measure used in the dry season to ensure our neem saplings are sufficiently hydrated, complementing the organic crop care and plant gel polymer used across our plantations.
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The Fast-Growing Evergreen
December 1st, 2016
Our neem saplings planted earlier this year continue to show remarkable growth. Over coming months, the trunk will continue to expand in order to create a stronger foundation for a tree that will start bearing fruit from its third year.
Our Solar Panels Have Arrived
November 23rd, 2016
Now that the first set of 84 Canadian Solar 315 Wp Panels have arrived on the plantations we can progress with our Zero Carbon Footprint Plan, which will see the power demands of our on-site facilities and irrigation systems met entirely through renewable means.
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Even More Sapling Ready for Planting
November 21st, 2016
With the current phase of clearing well underway and nearing completion, we have continuously ordered, received and nurtured new batches of neem saplings. As soon as each new section of land is prepared with the appropriate blend of organic crop care inputs these saplings will begin their life in the field.
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A Neem Silhouette
November 18th, 2016
Neem trees planted several months ago across Fazenda Palmeira Grande are showing impressive growth, already casting shadows over the land especially during sunrise and sunset. Remember, these trees will grow up to 20 meters tall and live for an impressive 200 years.
Building the Thresholds
November 16th, 2016
Having reached the final stages of construction for our administration office and on-site studio apartments we are now installing the wooden facades, complete with grand windows allowing for exceptional views of the plantations.
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Our Storage Facility Progressing Nicely
November 14th, 2016
With the foundations and framework in place, we are making great progress on the construction of our new storage facility. Located near the entrance to the plantations, this will provide both shelter and security for our brand new John Deere 5075E tractors and trailers.
Great Milestone in Clearing
November 3th, 2016
Having cleared another 200 hectares of Fazenda Palmeira Grande, we are now preparing the soil and planting the latest batch of neem saplings across this sector. In a matter of months this vast expanse of land will be full of life.
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A New Generation of Neem
October 28th, 2016
We have just received a new delivery of 20,000 neem saplings, which will be immediately transferred to our on-site neem nursery before starting their productive life on the plantations.
Good Progress on Construction
October 25th, 2016
The construction of our on-site administration office, apartments and storage facility is now reaching the final phase and has been temporarily put on hold as we work with Solaris Solar Energy to install solar panels on the roofs of these developments. This infrastructure will help meet the power demand of our on-site facilities and irrigation system through renewable means.
Cleared Land on FPG
October 20th, 2016
These sandy soils on Fazenda Palmeira Grande will be planted with neem trees. These saline soils are ideal for optimal neem tree growth and in a matter of two years this vast land will be covered in beautiful greenery.
Clearing More Land on FPG
October 13th, 2016
As you can see from this birds eye view of land clearing on FPG, the sheer scale of development requires round the clock work to ensure our planting objectives are accomplished on time. These machines work every day to clear the land in preparation for planting.
Time to Grow
October 11th, 2016
The sixth team does the actual planting. Here you can see one of our team members planting the young sapling. They have to be placed carefully in the ground with the help of a guiding stick for wind protection. The first two weeks in the ground are crucial for the saplings as they get accustomed to life outside the grow bag and in the field..
The Necessary Preparations for Planting
October 7th, 2016
Five teams are responsible for the land preparation process before planting neem. After clearing and ploughing the ground on the plantations, the first make the appropriate measurements and mark each plot with pickets. The second team dig each of the holes with the help of a special tractor. The third team transports the sapling from the green house and sets the sapling beside each hole and the fourth team prepares the soil with organic fertilizers. Finally, the fifth team applies the gel polymer into the soil to improve nutrient and water retention during the summer months.
One of our Neem Teams
October 5th, 2016
Meet one of our newest neem teams. These workers, all from the local area, will take care of the physical implementation activities on the ground for neem such as clearing the land, preparing the soil and planting trees. Sourced easily through referrals by existing members of staff, these employees represent the very positive reputation we have in the local community and region.
Coconut Trees as Far as the Eye Can See
September 28th, 2016
Say hello to all your coconut palms that have been showing impressive growth over the past six months.
Neem Seeds and Tractor Station
September 27th, 2016
At the end of our entrance road, once you our on-site neem nursery, you can take a left to our pump station, water reservoir and coconut plantation on Fazenda Lagoa Grande. If you go to the right you can follow the road to and see our newly planted neem trees on Fazenda Palmeira Grande.
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Welcome to Our Plantation
September 26th, 2016
Our newly developed entrance to the plantation, this road leads to what will become our on-site administration offices and studio apartments for visiting agronomists and specialists. The viewing platform also offers a fantastic view of Fazenda Lagoa Grande.
Constructing our On-Site Administration Office
September 22nd, 2016
The construction of our new on-site administration office is well underway. This will be the control center for all plantation activity in Brazil and will be vital in increasing the efficiency and productivity of our operations. This modern-spec office will include a meeting room for 12 people, 7 desks, 2 bathrooms, a waiting area and kitchen facilities.
Living Quarters for Visiting Specialists and Agronomists
September 20th, 2016
We are currently building a 67m2 studio apartment complex on-site at our plantations which will be utilized for visiting specialist and agronomists that regularly consult with us on our projects. These global specialists will make sure our in-house agronomy team is kept abreast with all the latest techniques and methodologies for sustainable plantation management..
A Little Help Goes a Long Way
September 14th, 2016
Our specially trained plantation workers know that our trees need significant care and attention especially during the first months after being planted. A guiding stick is placed on the ground next to every sapling in order to ensure the tree retains good structure while binding well to the soil in the face of harsh weather conditions such as high wind and rainfall.
More seeds, more trees
September 12th, 2016
Every day we have the pleasure of witnessing new trees sprouting in our on-site nursery. The neem seedling in the soil cell above was planted only a week ago and in a matter of six months this unassuming seedling will grow into a sapling and be planted on Fazenda Rio Grande
Sapling Station
September 9th, 2016
We have recently created a section next to the seedling area of the neem nursery so our saplings grow more before we plant them in the ground. The saplings are given care and sustenance around the clock to ensure optimal growth. We have even installed some irrigation infrastructure so they can get plenty of water.
Senior Management on the Ground in Brazil
September 8th, 2016
We have acquired three new John Deere tractors for the clearing, planting and transportation of plantation materials across the Fazendas. As you can see from left to right Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Goodman, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Archer and Chief Development Officer Andrew Hood are inspecting the equipment that will speed up our implementation activity.
Building Foundations for Construction
September 7th, 2016
We are constructing a storage facility and maintenance room for our plantation management equipment, which will provide both shelter and security for our newly acquired John Deere tractors and trailers. All of which will facilitate the clearing, planting and irrigation implementation across our projects for years to come..
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Growing Saplings at our Nursery
August 23rd, 2016
The saplings that have shown enough development in our nursery continue to be been transferred into polyethylene bags in preparation to be planted. Enclose in soil that is full of the nutrients necessary for optimal growth, these saplings will reside here for a few months before they are transported to the plantation. Our production cycle for planting neem is now in full swing.
Our Eco Dams at Full Capacity
August 22nd, 2016
The water levels on our eco dam have reached an all time high, a huge achievement especially considering that the majority of Brazil is still recovering from one of the worst droughts on record. Only through our significant development and investment in water infrastructure have we been able to supply our expanding projects throughout these dry periods.
Full Speed Ahead for Implementation
August 21st, 2016
We continue to clear more land on Fazenda Rio Grande in line with our next phases of project development and expansion. With the acquisition of new plantation equipment we have now reached a clearing speed of up to 4 hectares a day.
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A New Phase of Construction on Fazenda Palmeira Grande
August 12th, 2016
Now that that dry season is in full swing in Brazil, the next phase of infrastructure development on our plantations can begin. We will start proceedings by constructing a new security tower, living quarters for our on-site staff, storage facilities for our farm management equipment and new access roads around the perimeter of the plantation. Stay tuned as we will be providing you with more information of our construction plans over the coming weeks.
Ramping Up Productivity on our Plantations
August 11th, 2016
We have significantly increased productivity during this phase of planting through the acquisition of several new and state-of-the-art John Deere tractors. These will be responsible for digging just under 300,000 holes across 700 hectares of Fazenda Rio Grande and Fazenda Palmeira Grande over the coming months. With 416 trees being planted in each hectare, at a spacing of 6m x 4m, this is the perfect volume to maximize productivity without compromising the quality of yield.
A New Delivery of Neem Saplings on Fazenda Palmeira Grande
August 9th, 2016
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. Each sapling is placed in a grow bag full of soil and applied with an organic programme of nutrients vital for growth. Carefully monitored and nurtured by our specialist agronomists for at least six months, they are then transportd to our plantation for planting in the field. Behold the new generation of neem.
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Learning From the Neem Expert
July 27th, 2016
By inviting a neem expert and consultant to our plantations, we ensure that our workers receive the very best training in neem care and management across all stages of development.
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Our Main Gate Fully Operational
July 25th, 2016
When you visit the plantation you can see the sheer magnitude of our projects by entering the Unique gate and standing on our viewing platform. Only then can you fully appreciate the accomplishments reached so far and the final ones yet to come..
A New Generation of Neem
July 23rd, 2016
The latest batch of neem saplings have been harvested and transferred to the plantation as we continue to plant 40,000 more trees of the highest quality in this current phase. In a few weeks time the saplings above will be transferred and we will begin the process again.
Screening Soil for Planting in FRG
July 13th, 2016
As we move onto the next phases of planting on Fazenda Rio Grande, we continue to prepare the soil in each sector to ensure the finest environment for the trees during their initial stages of development. Screening the plotting soil through a wire mesh ensures the removal of any twigs, clods of dirt and small rocks that can rob the Earth of vital nutrients (such as nitrogen) that are essential for optimal growth. This process creates a smoother texture in the soil and allows for greater water retention while protecting plant roots by preventing nutrient runoff and ridding the soil of any air gaps.
Strengthening Tree Growth Organically
July 12th, 2016
Carefully protecting the soil surrounding crops strengthen its ability to retain water over a longer period of time. We improve the physical structure of the soil on our plantations by adding coconut husks. These husks cover the soil, preventing any drastic change in temperature and establishing another source of potassium chloride that is essential for plant nutrition. So effective in fact, coconut husk are being utilized as an organic fertilizer in sustainable agriculture around the world.
Coconut Palms on FLG Showing Promising Growth
July 11th, 2016
The coconut palms across Fazenda Lagoa Grande are showing promising growth, especially considering the adverse weather conditions during their initial stages of maturity.
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Leaves Blossoming on Fazenda Rio Grande
June 29th, 2016
Neem leaves have blossomed in a matter of months here at Fazenda Rio Grande as shades of green appear across this section of the plantation. An evergreen tree, neem leaves are continually shed and replaced throughout the year offering shade and protection for the soil as well as the opportunity for frequent harvests.
Construction on the Spillway is Now Complete
June 27th, 2016
Now that construction on the spillway for our Eco Dam is complete, we can regulate water levels more effectively throughout the year (especially during times of heavy rainfall).
Performing Irrigation Tests on Fazenda Rio Grande
June 24th, 2016
We are performing irrigation tests across Fazenda Rio Grande to ensure that our infrastructure is performing to the highest standard for the next phase of planting. By evaluating the flow and pressure of water distributed throughout our extensive irrigation network, we can guarantee that each section of the plantation receives precise levels of water and fertilizers for optimal growth.
Neem Trees on Fazenda Rio Grande
June 10th, 2016
The first 100 hectares of land on Fazenda Rio Grande that was cleared in Q1 2016 is now filled with 416 neem trees per hectare. Our agronomists have calculated that this is the perfect volume of trees to maximize productivity without compromising quality. At maturity, between the ages of six and ten years old, each tree will produce 110 pounds of fruit every year.
Transporting the Final Neem Saplings to Fazenda Rio Grande
June 8th, 2016
We are now transporting the final 2,500 neem saplings for planting on the north eastern quadrant of Fazenda Rio Grande, having already planted a total 39,100 neem trees in this section of the plantation.
The Road to Our New Pump House
June 6th, 2016
Seen clearly from the road to our newly develop Pump House, our Eco Dam on Fazenda Lagoa Grande has reached optimal levels. By utilizing the very latest in irrigation technology and precision agriculture, we are able to customize the distribution of water and fertilizer across our plantations depending on the unique requirements of individual sectors.
Impressive Growth for Neem Trees on Fazenda Palmeira Grande
June 2nd, 2016
Our lead agronomist Alberto Meira stands next to one of the neem trees planted on Fazenda Palmeira Grande. In a matter of months this tree has grown to nearly five feet. At four years old the tree will begin to bear fruit.
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Planting A New Batch of Saplings on Fazenda Rio Grande
May 27th, 2016
Now that these saplings have fully developed in their polyethylene grow bags they are now ready to be planted on Fazenda Rio Grande. By applying technical knowledge specific to each pest and disease, alongside an expert understanding of the nutrients necessary for optimal crop development, we utilize the most effective blend of natural pesticides and fertilizers on our soils. Once these are applied, the saplings will be placed in the ground.
Reaching the Final Stage of Development for the Spillway
May 24th, 2016
With the concrete foundation set in place, we are now finalizing construction on our Eco dam’s spillway. By installing gates to regulate the rate of water flow we will be able to control the height of the dam year round.
A New Generation of Neem Saplings Showing Promising Growth
May 20th, 2016
The seedlings that have demonstrated sufficient growth in the soil cells have been placed in polyethylene grow bags filled with the nutrients necessary for optimal growth. Carefully nurtured in our nursery, these saplings can stay in their bags for four months to a year before planting on the plantations. Those that are ready for planting will be placed in Fazenda Rio Grande and the northeastern quadrants of Fazenda Palmeira Grande.
Laying the Foundation for the Spillway
May 15th, 2016
Development continues on the spillway of our main Eco-dam. The structure seen on the left hand side of the picture above will provide the controlled release of water so it does not overtop or damage the dam itself during times of heavy rainfall.
Organic Material for Our Neem Seedlings
May 13th, 2016
With neem seeds germinating at our nursery, we have sourced organic matter essential for the tree’s next stage of development. Full of the nutrients vital for superior growth, this rich soil will provide the perfect environment for the seedlings while they are maturing in their polyethylene grow bags.
Preparing for Excess Water Accumulation at our Eco Dam
May 11th, 2016
We are currently constructing a spillway next to our second Eco dam. In the event of excess water accumulation, after a year of high rainfall for example, this spillway will protect the dam’s structural integrity while maintaining the optimum level of water required for our irrigation systems.
1,000 More Saplings Have Arrived on FRG
May 11th, 2016
We have just received another batch of 1,000 neem saplings ready for planting on Fazenda Rio Grande.
Our Main Gatehouse Complete with Viewing Platform
May 6th, 2016
You can truly appreciate the sheer scale of our projects on the new viewing platform built at the main entrance to Fazenda Lagoa Grande.
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Germinating Neem Seeds at our Nursery
May 4th, 2016
We now have a 40,000 neem seeds residing in soil cells at our nursery, collected from the highest performing trees in the area. Thrilled to see the first signs of germination, it’s only a matter of weeks before they will be transferred into the polyethylene grow bags for further care.
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Floatation Pumps for our Reservoir and Dam
April 27th, 2016
As water level is susceptible to change on our reservoirs and eco damns, particularly during rainy and dry seasons, these floatation pumps ensure optimal water output for our pump house all year round.
Making the Most of our New Pump House
April 25th, 2016
With our specialist irrigation system supplied by Netafim, we are able to control water and fertilizer distribution across all sections of our plantations. Using these terminals we can process and distribute treated water on a regular basis according to external factors such as weather, crop health and productivity.
Eco Dam Reaching Full Capacity
April 20th, 2016
The eco dam we constructed in 2014, which increased the water holding ability on our plantations from 44 million gallons to 286 million gallons, is reaching full capacity.
Supplying our Neem Nursery
April 18th, 2016
Our on-site neem nursery has the capacity to hold 72,800 neem saplings at any one time, enough trees to fill 175 hectares of land. This will be vital in the coming months as we continue planting the land across Fazenda Palmeria Grande and Fazenda Rio Grande.
Utilizing Cover Crops on FLG
April 13th, 2016
With the help of cover crops, which primarily manage soil erosion, fertility, quality and biodiversity across our plantations, the coconut trees on Fazenda Lagoa Grande are developing nicely in the run up to rainy season.
Ready to Install the Geomembrane
April 10th, 2016
Constructed as an additional water source supplying our newly developed pump house, the reservoir is now ready to be lined with a low permeability geomembrane. By investing significantly in water management, we strengthen our own reserves to supply the needs for the whole plantation at the lowest maintenance and environmental cost possible.
Planting Neem While Safeguarding the Soil
April 8th, 2016
By applying technical knowledge specific to each pest and disease, alongside an expert understanding of the nutrients necessary for optimal crop development, we formulate the most effective blend of natural pesticides and fertilizers for use on our plantations. This holds especially true for our latest phase of planting neem.
Another Delivery of Neem Saplings on FPG
April 7th, 2016
With the implementation cycle of sourcing seedlings, preparing the land and planting trees well underway, we are securing the necessary materials and infrastructure to develop the largest neem plantation in the world.
Construction on the Main Gatehouse
April 5th, 2016
We are constructing a new gatehouse at the front entrance of our plantations in Brazil, leading directly to Fazenda Lagoa Grande. Utilized as the primary access point, this new registration office will monitor the entry and exit of delivery trucks holding the necessary materials for our operations and increased implementation activity.
Constructing a New Water Reservoir
April 3rd, 2016
In order to ensure sound water management throughout our plantations, we are constructing a new water reservoir that will be lined with a low permeability geomembrane. This allows for secure water containment and safeguards the reservoir from damaging UV and weather exposure.
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A New Generation of Neem Saplings at the Nursery
March 30th, 2016
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. Between two and four months old, these saplings above have been placed in six by two inch grow bags filled with rich soil to expose them to optimum growing conditions. The saplings can stay in their bags for four months to a year before planting.
Expanding our Neem Nursery
March 29th, 2016
We are currently developing a new neem nursuery on our plantations, complete with its own irrigation infrastructure to ensure that all saplings receive the appropriate levels of hydration and nutrition in their early stages of development. This will be vital as we plant 300,000 neem trees in this next phase of implementation.
Ready for Another Day of Planting
March 21st, 2016
One of our implementation teams on the ground in Brazil has begun to prepare a new quadrant of Fazenda Palmeira Grande for planting neem. Planting at a rate of 1,000 trees per day, we will complete implementation of 100 hectares on this sector by May 2016.
The Next Phase of Planting Neem is Underway
March 16th, 2016
Our first neem sapling has been planted in this next phase of implementation, which will see nearly 300,000 neem trees in the ground on Fazenda Rio Grande and Fazenda Palmeira Grande. Each individual neem sapling is planted manually after our very own blend of organic fertilizers has been applied to the soil. 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.
SEMACE Visit our Plantations
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Our New Pump House is Complete and Fully Operational
We Have Tripled the Energy Capacity of our Plantations
February 19th, 2016
By acquiring new generators and installing additional energy networks across our plantations, we have broadened the reach of our newly constructed pump house and developed greater efficiency with our water and fertilizer distribution cycles for each of our crops.
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Clearing Land on FRG and FPG
January 14th, 2016
Having successfully acquired the appropriate licensing to implement the next stage of our project on Fazenda Rio Grande and Fazenda Palmeira Grande, we have begun clearing over 700 hectares of land for planting. Clearing the land with the most ecologically sound and sustainable processes, we ensure that all organic material remains in the soil to strengthen the initial (and vital) stages of plant development.
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