Marta Llorente, a 40-year-old farmer from Zazuar, Burgos, is the driving force behind a sustainable pig farming operation that she runs in partnership with her husband. She has been managing her farm, under shared ownership with her husband, for several years, focusing on producing high-quality pork products free from artificial additives. Marta’s work revolves around promoting sustainability, local produce, and offering healthier alternatives to traditional meat products.
Marta’s journey into farming began out of necessity when she got fired from her previous job for being pregnant. Then the family moved to the countryside, and she and her husband decided to take on the challenge of farming together. What started as a small family project quickly grew into a thriving farm. “We wanted to create something that would provide for us and for future generations, aligned with our values of sustainability and healthy food”, Marta shares. Today, the farm raises pigs fed on a natural, chemical-free diet, in a controlled, free-range environment, prioritising animal welfare.
Marta’s farm focuses not only on raising pigs but also on processing the meat to offer premium, healthier products. Production includes cured meats and sausages free from preservatives and additives, made using traditional methods. “Our main goal is to provide our community with fresh, high-quality pork that is as natural as possible”, she explains with pride in her work. Social media plays a key role in Marta’s business model, where she showcases the farm’s transparent practices, her commitment to animal welfare, and the stories behind each product.
In addition to the pig farming, Marta also manages an extensive dryland farming operation, spanning 60 hectares of crops. The crops are mainly cereals, rotated with oilseeds or legumes, and alfalfa is grown under irrigation. Moreover, the farm cultivates 20 hectares of vineyards under the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin, which includes a mix of century-old vineyards, young vines, and newly planted vines. While the farm practices traditional agronomic management, Marta is committed to transitioning to herbicide-free practices in pursuit of more sustainable farming methods.
Thanks to European subsidies, Marta has been able to improve the farm’s infrastructure, including the installation of a new barn and improved pig pens. Recently, she also received support to purchase machinery that makes the meat processing more efficient. “These grants have been crucial in making the farm more sustainable and competitive,” she says.
Despite the challenges of rural depopulation and ageing of the agricultural workforce, Marta has found ways to innovate. She’s started marketing her products in nearby cities, including Burgos, where she has built a loyal customer base. “The key is to keep innovating while staying true to our roots. It’s about making local, sustainable food accessible to more people”, she says.
For Marta, success is not just about the farm’s growth, but also about inspiring other women to follow in her footsteps. Her message is clear: with hard work, dedication, and community support, anything is possible. “If I can do it, anyone can. We just need to believe in our strength and our potential”, she concludes with a smile.