History of Torreribera
Torreribera is an ancient term and an old agricultural estate in the Horta de Lleida, southeast of the city, with small and charming fields, all within the irrigation area of the Canals d'Urgell. In 1940, it was acquired, almost by chance, by the Bertrand family, who initiated a major project of modernization and mechanization of agriculture. Channels and drains were built, existing rows of trees were maintained, and new ones were planted, in addition to terracing the entire property. These terraces allowed us to better utilize water, conduct more efficient agriculture, introduce new crops, and, thanks to the large number of created margins, preserve a spectacular biodiversity. We were also pioneers in the use of modern machinery: the first self-propelled grain harvester in Lleida was debuted here, and the legendary Lanz Bulldog tractors caused a sensation when plowing Torreribera. For decades, crops such as barley, alfalfa, stone and pome fruits, legumes, sheep herds, nuts, cows, mules, chickens, rice, wheat, corn, sorghum, various grasses, and many others have succeeded one another. Irrigation has been further modernized, introducing ponds, pivots, and sprinklers that irrigate with natural pressure. And all while modifying the terrace structure as minimally as possible. Ecological almond trees have been planted in several fields, some where they already existed until the 1960s. And with this vision, we are transforming the entire estate into organic farming.