Vale da Sarvinda

Vale da Sarvinda grows and makes certified organic food on roughly 180 hectares in Vila Velha de Ródão, district of Castelo Branco. Frederico Abreu set the project up formally on 20 December 2011, and occupation of the land began in May 2013. It operates on organic farming and a sustainable economy, on the principle that ecological responsibility and commercial viability can coexist. The range covers extra virgin olive oil, artisanal honey, craft mead and honey beer, mushrooms, aromatic herbs and traditional liqueurs made from fruit harvested locally: blueberries, lemons and medronho (strawberry tree berries). An online marketplace delivers direct to any point in Portugal. It also carries products from other regional producers. Renewable energy generation and careful water management are part of the daily running of the farm. Vale da Sarvinda works with other regional producers, which strengthens the wider sustainable agriculture network and local food systems. The project is also open to visitors, with educational experiences that let people engage directly with the farming practices. More than 4,300 people follow it on social media, and seasonal updates go out on Instagram.