Quinta da Caria

Quinta da Caria, also known as Quinta Pedagógica da Caria, grows certified organic aromatic, medicinal and condiment herbs, along with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. It's a family-run farm in Maceira, Torres Vedras. The growing relies on agroforestry and syntropic farming, techniques designed to increase biodiversity and improve the health of the ecosystem. Forestry, fruit production and medicinal plants are worked together as one interconnected system. Over 100 plant species and 30 wild bird species have been recorded on the property, and the farm describes itself as a biodiversity oasis. Customers can subscribe to CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) baskets of fresh, seasonal produce, mostly grown in Portugal and delivered directly to them. In most cases it's harvested within 24 hours. Deliveries and pickups are organised on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and the farm encourages sustainable packaging. The farm also runs educational activities. There are guided visits for families, and school visits where children spend an hour as organic farmers. Workshops cover topics such as beneficial insects, agroforestry and syntropic agriculture. The Garcia family manages the farm through their company, Sobe ao Palco, Lda. Produce is sold at the farm itself and at the Santa Cruz municipal market. Alongside the commercial farming, the family teaches the community about healthy eating, traditional and biological agriculture, and caring for the environment. Quinta da Caria describes itself as a partner institution of the Aspiring West Geopark, and it proposes solutions for food sovereignty in Portugal's West region.