Since the 17th century, Quinta da Abelheira has been serving Lisbon with its vegetables, olive oil, strawberries and in recent decades with the acclaimed Pêra Rocha do Oeste.
Today, in the 21st century, it is our main concern to push forward a sustainable agriculture, by promoting the protection of the land and producing quality products.
With over 40 hectares, 6 of which are already certified as Organic, and other areas in transition, it was our intention to take a step forward and transform part of the Organic land into "Agroforestry", namely through "Synthropic Agriculture".
This agricultural model was developed by the Swiss Ernest Gotsch in the mid-20th century and is already considered as one of the most viable planting techniques from an environmental, social and economic point of view.
Inspired by the way in which forests develop, the agricultural process is similar to the natural process, both in its function and its dynamics, with multiple crops, which interact with each other, distributed through various layers of space and time.
Our fruit and vegetables grow amidst forest species. Here, the agricultural process is similar to the natural process, both in its function and its dynamics, with multiple crops, which interact with each other, distributed through various layers of space and time.
This model brings a significant improvement in the soil structure and an increase in the retention of natural nutrients in the soil.
Within the scope of "Agroforestry", we have also started "Permaculture", creating a sustainable, healthy ecosystem in which plants and animals interconnect. Thus, by living amidst our Agroforestry, our chickens and sheep help the cycle of nutrients in the soil.
Our bees, the symbol of Quinta da Abelheira, live in protected hives and are essential for pollination.
We decided to bet on this model for Quinta da Abelheira, more laborious and demanding, but undoubtedly more rewarding, as we saw the quality of our products, vegetables, fruit and eggs produced in a sustainable way.
We are the largest "Agroforestry" project in the Oeste Region and we want to be an example for others to believe that it is possible to practice a different agriculture.