Mediterranean crops are a very important group of species associated with the climate of the Mediterranean region. With long dry and hot periods, the cropping systems in this particular climate are usually highly specialized on certain products with very relevant nutritional, commercial, social and environmental value. Due to their historical relevance, this kind of agricultural products has acquired a significant share of the global food market, including the organic one.
The most relevant crops of this kind of systems are permanent crops, such as olives, grapes, citrus and nuts which most of their global production is located in areas with a Mediterranean climate. In addition to these crops, there are a strong presence of leguminous, fresh vegetables, wheat and it is often complemented with an extensive presence of livestock, mostly sheep and goat.
In the last several decades, most of the areas with a Mediterranean climate have been suffering from many different challenges, including climate change, depleting water resources and rapid urban sprawl.
FiBL has worked in numerous projects related to these regions and species. It is putting together available expertise in this field to provide sustainable solutions to organic and conventional farmers specialized in Mediterranean farming systems.
Some of the research focus of our experts on these areas have been pest control, integrated management, weed control, soil fertility, market development, capacity development, ruminant production, variety testing, viticulture, etc.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Weltkarte, in der die Regionen markiert sind, in denen mediterranes Klima herrscht](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nahkealehtinen_kasvillisuus.png)
These regions of the world have a Mediterranean climate. Map: Vzb83 from fi, Creative Commons