Herdade do Freixo do Meio

Herdade do Freixo do Meio is a protected agroecological estate located in Montemor-o-Novo, in the Alentejo region of Portugal, just one hour from Lisbon. Spanning approximately 600 hectares of montado — the iconic Portuguese cork and holm oak savannah — the estate has been managed under organic and agroecological principles since 1997, operating entirely without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. This long-standing commitment has fostered a rich, biodiverse landscape that supports natural soil cycles and forest regeneration. The acorn (bolota) serves as the symbol of the estate, embodying the deep connection between the land, its ecosystems, and its food production. A diverse range of agroecological products inspired by the montado is produced and made available to the public. The estate also harbours a remarkable prehistoric heritage, including an Ancient Neolithic village that stands as a rare and significant archaeological site within Portugal. Herdade do Freixo do Meio offers a wide variety of educational and recreational activities, including guided tours on 'Life in the Montado' and prehistoric origins, self-guided visits, and hands-on workshops such as citrus pruning and grafting. The 'Academia da Bolota' is an immersive multi-day learning programme that deepens participants' understanding of agroecology and the montado ecosystem. A regular Sunday market — the Mercado Domingueiro — brings together agroecological producers, local artisans, guided tours, and gastronomy in a vibrant community gathering. For nearly two decades, the estate has embraced a model of shared territorial management, hosting autonomous independent projects that operate within the space through co-management agreements, pioneering innovative socio-economic models rooted in sustainability and cooperation. Under the leadership of Alfredo Cunhal Sendim, Herdade do Freixo do Meio has become a nationally recognised example of how traditional land stewardship, ecological awareness, and social innovation can coexist to create a resilient, biodiverse, and culturally rich landscape.