Castro Marim launches project to promote local Algarve products
The PAVIPANA project will be presented on 10 October in Odeleite, Castro Marim, aiming to add value to six traditional products from the northeastern Algarve: dried figs, almond kernels, fresh arbutus berries, cured goat cheese, carob flour and honey. Led by the Guadimonte cooperative with the University of Algarve, the scheme involves co-financed investment of over 438,000 euros over 36 months. It includes creating the brand "Passas do Algarve", new packaging, an online sales platform and sustainability certification. The project follows the 2021 Castro Marim wildfire, which prompted young local producers to form the cooperative.
Herculano leads national robotics project for forestry and viticulture
Portuguese manufacturer Herculano is leading the ecoBOTs.PT project, developing robotic solutions for forestry and viticulture, co-funded by the EU through FEDER under COMPETE2030. Partners include INESC TEC, which is researching the Modular-E and Modular-X robotic platforms. Planned applications include automating tasks such as clearing invasive vegetation, pruning, planting, precision spraying, grape harvesting and soil fertilisation, plus deploying biochar and hydrogel. The project aims to tackle labour shortages and improve efficiency and sustainability in forestry and wine-growing. It officially launched on 15 September at Herculano's facilities.
Évora University opens applications for montado management courses
The University of Évora, working with 18 researchers from the MED Institute, has announced the 2026-2027 training calendar for microcredentials in sustainable management of the montado, the oak-based agro-silvo-pastoral system. The courses form part of the cross-border SOSprodehesamontado project, funded by Interreg VA Spain-Portugal, aimed at building local capacity to protect this ecologically and economically valuable landscape. Five modular courses run in the first semester, with general applications open from 8 to 19 October 2026, except for one course starting applications on 6 October. Two further modules have been postponed to the second semester.
Arcos de Valdevez joins Nature Guardians network for rural women
The municipality of Arcos de Valdevez, part of a Biosphere Reserve, is joining the Rede de Guardiãs da Natureza, a movement promoted by Business as Nature to boost women's role in ecological regeneration. The decision followed the network's 4th National Meeting in Santarém, which gathered about 250 women and several municipalities interested in joining, held during the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The council says the move recognises women's capacity in sustainable resource management and rural development, and commits the municipality to supporting women-led projects in agriculture, forestry, tourism, crafts and the low-carbon transition in protected rural areas.
Vila Verde opens 34th Harvest Festival with call to support rural areas
The 34th edition of the Festa das Colheitas opened in Vila Verde, running until Sunday with 41 initiatives across the municipality. At the opening ceremony, mayor Júlia Rodrigues Fernandes highlighted the event's importance, noting that the associated Rota das Colheitas already runs through 31 of the municipality's 33 parishes. She called for greater appreciation of rural life, stronger support for the primary sector, and the preservation of local traditions, describing the festival as a tribute to tradition.
Murça olive oil DOP bid awaits national decision
An opinion piece defends Murça's choice to seek a Protected Designation of Origin (DOP), rather than a Protected Geographical Indication (IGP), for its olive oil, arguing a DOP better protects the full value chain tying production to the territory. It cites Italy's small Brisighella DOP as proof that scale is no obstacle, and notes Murça's mix of microclimates and varieties like Cordovil de Trás-os-Montes and Cobrançosa. The DGADR has already issued a favourable opinion, and the process now awaits a national decision. The author criticises moves to bring the matter before a parliamentary committee, warning this risks politicising what should remain a technical decision.
Nutrifarms partners with Cerestia on olive and almond innovation
Nutrifarms, the agricultural arm of Grupo Sovena, has signed a partnership with Cerestia, part of MatHolding, to speed up innovation in olive and almond farming. The deal covers plant health, biostimulation, precision irrigation, digitalisation and modernisation of agricultural production. Nutrifarms' estates will serve as testing grounds for new tools and technologies under real conditions. The companies say the collaboration aims to improve efficiency, profitability and sustainability amid climate change, water scarcity and rising production costs. The agreement was signed at the Fruit Attraction trade fair in Madrid.
Hubel Verde details R&D strategy for plant nutrition and farming
Margarida Mota, R&D Director at Hubel Verde, describes how the company formalised its innovation efforts with a dedicated department created in 2021. The firm focuses on liquid fertilisers, microbial biostimulants and tailored agronomic consultancy, aiming to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce reliance on mineral fertilisers. Solutions are increasingly customised to soil type, climate and crop stage. In 2026 the company is launching three industrial PhDs with Portuguese universities. Mota also discussed farmers' growing interest in innovation, constrained by economic risk, and the company's continued presence at the Fruit Attraction trade fair.
Baldios group calls for multi-year fund for common-land forests
Baldios de Portugal, an association representing Portugal's communal land holders, is calling for a dedicated multi-year funding line to support not only initial forest restoration but ongoing maintenance and management of baldios. The proposal follows the FAO's State of the World's Forests 2026 report, which found over 460 million hectares of degraded forest worldwide and annual deforestation averaging 10.9 million hectares between 2015 and 2025. The association argues local communities must have real decision-making power, secure land rights and a fair share of benefits, including payment for ecosystem services and climate mitigation contributions, rather than being treated merely as recipients of public policy.
Salamanca to host fifth Luso-Spanish extensive livestock congress
The fifth Luso-Spanish Congress on Extensive Livestock Farming and Rural Development will take place in Salamanca on 3-4 December, under the theme 'Sanidade e Território – Confiança e Futuro'. Co-organised this year by Portugal's ACOS alongside Spanish bodies, the event expects over 400 professionals from both countries. Discussions will cover animal and plant health, marketing networks, and the shape of the Common Agricultural Policy for 2028-2034, alongside the environmental and social benefits of extensive livestock farming in rural areas.
Spain to host fifth Portugal-Spain extensive livestock congress
The Spanish city of Salamanca will host the fifth Luso-Spanish Congress on Extensive Livestock Farming and Rural Development. The event brings together Portuguese and Spanish participants to discuss extensive livestock farming and EU rural development policies. Details on the specific dates and full programme were not given in the available text.
