La Fageda

A social project rooted in La Garrotxa

La Fageda is a social project organized as a business in the La Garrotxa region of Catalonia. Its mission is to improve quality of life and promote social inclusion for people at risk of exclusion in the region through meaningful, paid work. After more than 40 years, it combines a substantial business operation with support services and employment programs.

Food products

La Fageda makes its products at its farm in Santa Pau, in the heart of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. It uses fresh milk from its own farms and selected fruit for its jams. Its catalog includes:

• Yogurt and bifidus products, including Greek-style varieties with pieces such as chocolate stracciatella, vanilla, mango, and peach
• Dairy desserts
• Ice cream, including newer flavors such as yogurt with pistachio and yogurt with lime and ginger
• Jams
• Products for restaurants, hotels, and institutional food services

Social services and employment

Alongside food production, La Fageda provides services to businesses, gardening, job-placement support in mainstream workplaces, and training in social entrepreneurship. It also offers guided visits to its facilities for schools, groups, families, and children, as well as training sessions for social entrepreneurs.

Social impact and sustainability

Using its Social Value Integrated methodology, the organization reports generating more than €73 million in integrated social value and returning €13 to society for every euro of public funding it receives. Sustainability has been part of the project since its beginnings.

Community and visits

La Fageda's “Arrelats” community offers special experiences, food activities, orienteering courses, art and nature activities, and theatrical tours. Visits to the farm introduce guests to the project, the farm, and production processes, and include a tasting.