The History of the Castelldans Cooperative, also known as the Sant Fortunat Cooperative, reflects agricultural development and community collaboration in the Garrigues region. This cooperative has been a fundamental pillar for local farmers, contributing to the production of the highest quality extra virgin olive oil under the OliFERM brand.
The Beginnings and the Foundation
The History of the Castelldans Cooperative begins at the end of the 19th century, coinciding with an era of industrialization in Catalonia. The official foundation of the cooperative dates from 1934, initially known as the Foment Agrícola República. This foundation arose from the need to improve the working conditions of farmers and optimize the production of olive oil ( All Lleida ).
Development and Modernization
Since its foundation, the cooperative has evolved to adapt to new technologies and production methods. For example, during the Spanish Civil War, the mill of the cooperative was seized by the militias. However, this was later recovered, thus allowing the cooperative’s activities to continue. Over time, several improvements were made, including the modernization of the mill and the installation of new machines for the production of olive oil. In addition, in the decade of the 60s, a new, larger mill was built, which made it possible to increase production capacity. ( Tot Lleida ).
During the 1990s, major restoration work was carried out on the facade and main doors of the cooperative. In particular, these works lasted from 1997 to 1998 ( Fira de l’Oli ). Thanks to these restoration efforts, the cooperative was able to improve its infrastructure and maintain its historical value. In addition, it was adapted to modern needs, thus ensuring its sustainability and efficiency.
Merger and Expansion
In 2018, Cooperativa Sant Fortunat merged with Castellfruit, another local agricultural cooperative, to form Cooperativa del Camp de Castelldans. This merger was driven by the need to share resources and improve efficiency in the production of olive oil and other agricultural products. The cooperative has continued to grow and modernize, with plans to renovate the facilities and expand production capacities in the coming years ( SomGarrigues ).
OliFERM, a Quality Product
OliFERM extra virgin olive oil is the cooperative’s star product. Made exclusively with Arbequina olives grown by the members of the cooperative, OliFERM stands out for its low acidity (less than 0.2 degrees) and its unique organoleptic properties. This oil is awarded and appreciated around the world for its superior quality and its distinctive flavor, which includes vegetal notes and an almond-like sensation at the end of the taste ( All Lleida ).
The Castelldans Cooperative is an example of how tradition and innovation can work together to produce agricultural products of the highest quality. With a rich history and a promising future, the cooperative remains a fundamental pillar for local farmers and a benchmark in the production of extra virgin olive oil.
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From the field to your table, with the highest quality guaranteed by OliFERM.
