The Farm

Regenerative Organic Farming

The nature-tourism and eco-development programs are woven into a fabric of regenerative organic agriculture and biodiversity enhancement. The ecological, educational and well-being missions are inter-related and inter-dependent.

The vegetable gardens will supply a full range of produce for the restaurants, including winter salad vegetables, squashes, pumpkins, corn and rye. The botanical gardens will supply medicinal plants for the apothecary, for creating a range of soaps and body care products for use in the Nature Spa.

However, the regenerative organic farm is also an eco-business in its own right. Beira Alta has many ancient olive groves and chestnut forests where the produce are not harvested due to the aging population. We are working on the creation of a viable model for managing these precious natural resources, providing livelihoods and supporting the economic and ecological regeneration of the region.

Olives

Olive oil has been the principal crop in this valley for many hundreds of years. We have more than 300 olive trees, of the black Galega variety, and we produce organic, cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil full of the vitality of this ancient landscape. This delicious oil will be served in the Nature Spa and restaurant, and it will also be an ingredient in our body care products.

Chestnuts

At Vale doas Lobas there are more than 12 hectares of chestnuts, in a beautiful unique mountain forest. There are many wonderful ways to prepare chestnuts. They can be ground into flour, which is a delicious gluten free alternative for cakes, bread, soups and casseroles. They can also be prepared as a milk, which is creamy, smooth and naturally sweet.

Natural medicine: 

Plant based products from wild and cultivated plants, including extracts, tinctures, attenuated natural remedies, creams, lotions, balms, soaps, shampoos, and home cleaning products. We will market these products locally, nationally and internationally.

Fruit Products

We are growing cherry, plum, peach, apple, walnut, chestnut, hawthorn, orange, lemon, pear and madronho. We will produce delicious and nutricious sugar and gluten-free fruit snacks for children, to encourage healthy eating. Watch this space…

Corn

Native American corn is often grown together with beans and field pumpkins, which helps to maintain biodiversity and improve soil composition. Corn is a staple, nutritious grain, that can be prepared in a variety of ways, including bread and tortillas. 

Vegetable garden

With more than one hectare of level riverside land dedicated to the production of vegetables, we will grow everything required by the restaurants, including large areas of strawberries, winter salad vegetables, and a full range of culinary herbs.