Horta Cá de Casa
Horta Cá de Casa is a family-run ecological farming project in the Azores that teaches and practices permaculture, syntropic farming and agroforestry across roughly half a hectare of land. Since 2011 it has grown from a small backyard garden into a hub for workshops, community events and technical visits.
Founded in 2011 in the parish of Feteira, Faial (Azores), Horta Cá de Casa began as a small 500m² family vegetable garden behind the founders' house — hence its name, 'Garden at Home'. In 2021 the project expanded significantly, acquiring two additional plots in the parishes of Praia do Almoxarife and Pedro Miguel, bringing the total cultivated area to approximately 5,000m² across distinct microclimates shaped by the island's volcanic geology and oceanic winds. The team applies permaculture design principles — observing sun, wind, temperature and water patterns before planting — alongside syntropic agriculture and agroforestry techniques that integrate fruit trees, vegetables, aromatic plants and biodiversity corridors. Composting, soil regeneration and no-till methods are central to their practice, inspired by figures such as Ernst Götsch, Charles Dowding, Jean-Martin Fortier and local expert Avelino Ormonde. Beyond farming, the project runs the 'Princípios da Agricultura Ecológica' workshop series, technical visits, and community gatherings (Encontros) that bring together students, neighbours and visiting farmers from across the Azores. It has volunteered its expertise to local schools, helping transform a school garden into a living learning laboratory, and regularly partners with local parish councils on agroforestry workshops. Horta Cá de Casa considers itself part of a living community of people connected through food, sharing seeds, recipes and ecological know-how through its website and social media. With a newly launched website, member area, and interactive timeline documenting over a decade of growth, the project continues to expand its role as an educational and cultural reference for sustainable family agriculture in the Azores.
Our Goal
To cultivate and share a sustainable, ecological lifestyle rooted in family farming, permaculture and agroforestry principles on the island of Faial, Azores.
Our Wishes
The project welcomes people interested in learning ecological agriculture practices, joining workshops, or participating in its growing online community of members.
