Al-Bio – Associação Agroecológica do Algarve

Al-Bio (Associação Agroecológica do Algarve) is a community of organic farmers and agroecology practitioners in the Algarve. It brings producers together to work towards sustainable production as a group, using ecological and regenerative practices that reduce environmental impact and enhance biodiversity. Its support runs from production through to sales: associated producers get guidance, shared experience and help with solving problems. One of its main projects is MedAdap Tavira. It promotes organic farming, connects biological and agroecological producers, and encourages sustainable lifestyles and healthy diets based on the Mediterranean Diet. It also protects Mediterranean cultural landscapes and supports the regenerative management of natural resources. The association runs a Producer Network (Rede de Produtores) too. The network is meant to strengthen sustainable rural development, combat desertification, and let small and medium-scale ecological producers organise supply and distribution together. Al-Bio regularly organises the Jornadas Técnicas de Agricultura Biológica do Algarve, a free and accessible training programme. It combines technical sessions with field visits to farms and production units around the region, such as Quinta do Freixo in Loulé and Quinta das Sesmarias da Corte in Tavira. Researchers, producers and policy specialists meet there to discuss the circular economy, native species like the strawberry tree (medronheiro) and carob (alfarrobeira), and the possible creation of a Bio-Region in the Algarve. The association also campaigns to defend the region's agricultural infrastructure, including the Centro de Experimentação Agrária de Tavira (CEAT). It argues that the centre should keep running and stay staffed, as a pillar of agricultural innovation in the region and of preserving the Mediterranean Diet.