PROBIOMADEIRA

PROBIOMADEIRA is a regional research and development initiative dedicated to strengthening organic farming in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Led by New Organic Planet (NOP), a Funchal-based company specialising in sustainability and organic agriculture research, the project is funded under 'PROCIÊNCIA 2020', a support programme of the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Empresarial (IDE) of the Regional Government of Madeira, which aims to boost scientific output and foster collaborative structures between businesses and institutions. The project focuses on reinforcing the technical and scientific knowledge required to adapt and optimise local conditions for organic production systems. Central to its work is a robust assessment of soil fertility across the island, including the identification of organic matter sources and their distribution, alongside the proposal of methods and practices to maintain or increase soil fertility and support economically viable crop cycles. Among its key outputs is the 'Manual das Bio-regiões' (Bio-regions Manual), an integrated development strategy for rural territories made available through a dedicated wiki knowledge platform, as well as a good-practices manual for soil conservation and fertility in Madeira, published both in print and online. The project has also contributed to updating official administrative forms to facilitate organic farming certification and practice on the island. PROBIOMADEIRA is developed in partnership with the Secretaria Regional de Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural, the Universidade da Madeira (through its ISOPlexis germplasm bank), the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, and Agroconceito, an agricultural consultancy firm. Together, these partners connect academic research with practical, on-the-ground applications, helping make organic agriculture more viable, resilient and competitive across Madeira's diverse rural territories.