Madrid farmer rejects €700,000 offer to preserve plant biodiversity

Cristian González Atena, a farmer in the Sierra de Madrid region, has declined a €700,000 offer to sell his 10-acre farm in Bustarviejo. The offer, intended to convert the land into an event space, was more than 18 times the original purchase price of approximately €38,000.

Rather than accepting the funds for a comfortable retirement, Atena has focused on agricultural preservation. He has invested in infrastructure, including solar-powered irrigation and water storage, to cultivate between 80 and 90 commercial varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

His work includes maintaining a collection of over 3,000 plant varieties, with more than 210 being rare or old species of fruits and vegetables. His produce is supplied to local residents and high-end establishments, including the Michelin-starred restaurant Pabú in Madrid.