Research projects

The research projects aim to transform the region with positive economic, social and environmental impacts.

At Monte Silveira farm, a broad portfolio of research and development projects highlights the commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

In particular, research projects focused on soil health and ecosystem resilience have allowed us to explore innovative approaches to improving soil fertility, biodiversity and general ecosystem health, in close collaboration with national and international researchers and scientific institutions.

One area of focus is the development of regenerative agricultural practices that prioritize soil regeneration. Through techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation and direct seeding, the farm aims to improve soil structure, increase organic matter content and reduce soil erosion. These practices not only increase agricultural productivity but also contribute to mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and retaining water in the soil.

In addition to research focused on soil, Monte Silveira also investigates the dynamics of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity. Researchers study the interactions between plants, animals and microorganisms in the farm’s agroecosystem, seeking to identify strategies that improve biodiversity and, at the same time, maintain agricultural productivity. This may include habitat restoration, conservation of native species and integrated management practices.

Through its soil and ecosystem-focused R&D projects, Monte Silveira is a lighthouse farm committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil and ecosystem health. By nurturing a resilient and biodiverse agroecosystem, the farm increases its own productivity and also contributes to the conservation of natural resources and the long-term sustainability of agricultural landscapes.

Biomonitor4CAP

Advanced biodiversity monitoring for results-based and effective agricultural policy and transformation

There is an increasing need for a fully integrated approach between the EU’s Biodiversity and Farm to Fork Strategies for 2030. It is necessary to monitor biodiversity characteristics and their changes over time and space. In this context, the BioMonitor4CAP project, funded by the EU, will design advanced biodiversity monitoring systems to support the implementation of outcome-based policies in European agricultural landscapes. These systems will assess the diversity of species and habitats, which will be tested, calibrated, and demonstrated in five European regions. By combining classic indicator systems (part of the EU monitoring framework, such as the Farmland Bird Index) with new systems, the project will support the development and implementation of revised agricultural policies.

Montado de sobro no Monte Silveira

Improvement of the resilience and environmental value of the cork oak woodland at Monte Silveira

  • Project code: PDR2020-815-066127
  • Financing Entity: PDR2020

RADIANT

ReAlising DynamIc vAlue chaiNs for underuTilised crops

Of the 300,000 known edible plant species, only 4% (12,000 species) are used by humans, and just 200 are commonly consumed. Increasing agricultural biodiversity could reduce our reliance on a small number of plant species. In this context, the EU-funded RADIANT project will focus on underutilised crops. Bringing together a highly skilled multi-actor consortium from the value chain, researchers, and end-users, the project will co-develop solutions and tools to enhance agrobiodiversity through dynamic value chains (DVCs). To promote the cultivation and creation of underutilised crops, the project will facilitate a transformation towards sustainable DVCs that foster agrobiodiversity in educational, financial, and technological environments. The project aims to reach 1 million farmers and 60 million potential consumers.

Interior+

Comunidades Rurais do Interior e de Montanha

The “Interior+ – Rural Communities in the Interior and Mountain Areas” project is based on the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of low-density mountain territories (TBD). Its objective is to develop and implement a platform for promoting and interacting with territorial agro-food innovation, promoting gastronomic tourism, and enhancing business attractiveness. This will be achieved through the use of monitoring, production, and management technologies (R&D) and will be tested in a model territory developed within the project’s scope for Mountain Rural Areas (MRA).

BENCHMARKS

Building a European Network for the Characterisation and Harmonisation of Monitoring Approaches for Research and Knowledge on Soils

Soils provide food, drinking water, habitats for biodiversity, and other essential services. There is no life without them. In this context, the EU-funded BENCHMARKS project will co-design an Integrated Soil Health Monitoring Framework. This framework will be based on assessing soil-based ecosystem functions to develop an interactive soil health dashboard. The aim is to guide the selection of appropriate soil health indicators, assess and index soil health, and recommend management practices to support soil health. The dashboard will be designed for various stakeholders involved in urban, agricultural, and forestry land use systems. The proposed indicators (measurements and data based on samples and model-derived statistics), spatial observations, and citizen science will be tested in landscape case studies across Europe.

GOOD

AGrOecOlogy for weeDs

Weeds negatively impact the sustainability of agricultural systems in the EU, with weed management heavily relying on herbicides. Reducing the use and risk of herbicides has become a key political objective under the Farm to Fork strategy, aiming to promote agroecology and transition towards sustainable and resilient farming systems. GOOD is a four-year project that adopts a multidisciplinary approach to develop and assess Agroecological Weed Management (AWM) systems and demonstrate that adopting AWM enhances the sustainability and resilience of cropping systems. The primary ambition is to promote an agroecological transition for weed management across Europe.

Living Labs (LL) will be co-created with stakeholders and established in six different pedoclimatic conditions in the EU, in both annual and perennial crops, to promote AWM practices in conventional, organic, and mixed farming systems. The use and combination of cover crops along with various cultural practices, beneficial microorganisms, and digital tools will be evaluated for the manipulation and agroecological management of weeds, aiming to increase crop productivity and farmers’ income. Successful outcomes will be promoted through dissemination and demonstration activities and a web platform for training farmers in agricultural water management systems. This platform will also provide a repository on current weed management methods and herbicide use, along with a water management toolbox to assist farmers in decision-making for agricultural water management.

Erasmus+

Erasmus+ is the EU programme that supports education, training, youth, and sport across Europe.

The 2021-2027 programme places a strong emphasis on social inclusion, ecological and digital transitions, and promoting youth participation in democratic life. It supports priorities and activities outlined in the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Skills Agenda. The programme also supports the European Pillar of Social Rights, implements the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, and develops the European dimension in sport.

SoilValues

Enhancing Soil health through Values-based business models

Soil health protection and restoration is a priority for the EU. It is important to raise awareness about the value of investing in soil health and to increase investment opportunities in soil health across all value chains. It is also crucial for land managers to understand the incentives and how to capture the value generated by ecosystem services, such as climate regulation and water storage and purification.
In this context, SoilValues, funded by the EU, will contribute to creating conditions for the development of successful business models for soil health. These are models in which land managers make production decisions that lead to higher levels of soil-based ecosystem services. In addition to establishing indicators and models to measure outcomes, the project will set up test fields across Europe and develop a toolkit of incentives and policy recommendations.

  • Project code: 101091308
  • Financing Entity: Horizon Europe
  • Website: www.soilvalues.eu

Climate Farm Demo

A European-wide network of pilot farmers implementing and demonstrating climate-smart solutions for a carbon neutral Europe

Climate-smart farming (CSF) is an agricultural approach that helps farmers increase resilience to the impacts of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve carbon sequestration. CSF also enhances overall agricultural productivity and food security.
With this in mind, the Climate Farm Demo project, funded by the EU, will promote CSF practices across 28 European countries. It will adopt a multi-actor approach, connecting 1,500 farmers (known as demonstration pilot farmers) and their climate agricultural advisors to implement adaptation and mitigation action plans with the aim of increasing knowledge exchange and interaction. Technical and social innovations will be showcased to the broader farming community through six annual demonstration campaigns, and new CSF solutions will be co-created in 10 Living Labs across Europe.

Arbo-Innova

Scalable regenerative agriculture solutions in super-intensive olives and intensive almonds

Arbo-Innova is a project focused on agronomy and the research of scalable solutions for regenerative agriculture in super-intensive olive groves and intensive almond orchards. This project was initiated in response to industry demand, recognising the current scarcity of tested solutions and data. It allows us to assess our hypotheses, assemble teams of experts, and develop methodologies tailored to intensive almond systems and super-intensive olive groves.
The project operates under real field conditions, managed collaboratively with producers to ensure the scalability and industrial relevance of the applied techniques. We have assembled a consortium of experts in regenerative agriculture and the cultivation of olives and almonds, promoting innovative solutions that pave new paths.

CERTRA

Cadeias de Valor de Cereais Tradicionais

The CERTRA project aims to enhance the production of traditional cereals and promote value-added food products. We intend to create new market opportunities for your products, increasing their visibility and value to consumers.

  • Project code: PRR-C05-i03-I-000161
  • Financing Entity: PRR
  • Website: www.esa.ipb.pt

Investimentos em Pomar de Marmelos e Amendoal

The project’s main objectives are:

  • Expansion of the company’s productive area;
  • Establishment of a quince orchard and an almond grove, including the necessary irrigation systems.

The planned investments will have a significant impact on the company’s operations, as they will substantially improve the profitability of the areas concerned.

  • Project code: PDR2020-321-102658
  • Financing Entity: PDR2020

Investimentos em Medronho

The main objective of this project is the production of medronho (strawberry tree) in the parish of Malpica do Tejo, in the municipality of Castelo Branco:

  • Expansion of the company’s productive area;
  • Establishment of a medronho orchard and the corresponding irrigation system.

The planned investments will have a significant impact on the company’s activities, as they will substantially enhance the profitability of the areas in question.

  • Project code: PDR2020-321-103442
  • Financing Entity: PDR2020

Grazing4AgroEcology

Producers, animals, and society as a whole benefit from grazing-based production systems. However, grazing, which helps produce high-quality food and contributes to improving other ecosystem services, is declining in Europe. To counter this trend, the EU-funded Grazing4AgroEcology (G4AE) project is collaborating with livestock producers and other stakeholders to find solutions for sustainable and integrated grazing-based livestock production systems.
Part of this involves knowledge sharing, as well as capturing, introducing, and improving best practices and innovations to promote pastoralism for agroecology. The work will support producers by enhancing their understanding of their own agroecological performance through integrated self-assessment and encouraging them to innovate.

LILAS4SOILS

Climate change is degrading agricultural soils in the EU, particularly in the Mediterranean and southern regions, which could reduce crop yields by up to 50% by 2050 without intervention. The LILAS4SOILS project will establish five Living Labs across six countries to develop and implement Carbon Farming Practices (CFPs) aimed at improving soil health and sustainability, with practices including peatland and agroforestry management on 85-100 demo sites. This five-year initiative involves 24 expert partners and over 71 farmers, with plans for interdisciplinary workshops, knowledge exchange, and Open Calls to promote widespread adoption and innovative MRV technologies for soil carbon sequestration.

ROOT-BENEFIT

Beneficial root-associated microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, are crucial for crop productivity in low-input systems, but their interactions with plants are often neglected in agriculture and breeding. The ROOT-BENEFIT project aims to unite experts to consolidate knowledge, perform meta-analyses, and set research priorities on these beneficial interactions, while developing strategies to enhance their role in sustainable agriculture. By engaging researchers and socio-economic stakeholders, ROOT-BENEFIT will strengthen European research capacity and promote knowledge transfer to foster sustainable practices across European and Mediterranean regions.

Finished Projects

MontadoPlus

Montado Sustentável na Beira Baixa

The MontadoPlus project aims to combat desertification, reduce the risk of wildfires, and implement strategies that allow for climate change mitigation. By using a holistic management approach as the foundation of the project, the consortium will strategically employ regenerative agriculture techniques, holistic/extensive grazing, and the intelligent use of water and soil (keylines) as strategic tools for the recovery and maintenance of oak ecosystems in semi-arid areas prone to desertification in the Beira Baixa region.

This project will aid the transformation of the region by adopting a productive agricultural system, promoting soil health and fertility in three pilot areas, primarily located in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova. These pilot areas will serve as demonstrators for other producers, encouraging their expansion to other areas of Beira Baixa and regions across the country, and consequently, the development of an integrated ecosystem to combat desertification.

Thus, this project will act as a demonstrator of the opportunity to bring to an area suffering from land abandonment by local people an agronomic model of practices with positive economic, social, and environmental impacts, as well as the necessary tools and information to facilitate its implementation.

  • Project code: POCI-07-62G4-FEDER-181670
  • Financing Entity: COMPETE 2020/REACT-EU
  • Status: Finished
  • Website: www.cm-idanhanova.pt

Painéis Fotovoltaicos no Monte Silveira

Installation of photovoltaic panels to supply energy to irrigation infrastructure to mitigate the effects of extreme drought.

This initiative has made it possible to achieve and ensure that all electricity consumed comes from renewable sources.

  • Project code: PDR2020-322-090031
  • Financing Entity: PDR2020
  • Status: Finished

DESERT ADAPT

Preparing desertification areas for increased climate change

Adaptation to climate change is the main goal of the Desert Adapt Project – Preparing desertification areas for increased climate change. Over the course of five years, this project aims to apply Desertification Adaptation Models (DAM) in 10 pilot areas in Portugal, Spain, and Italy, to develop innovative strategies and technologies adapted to the severe and negative climate changes affecting the Mediterranean region. The project is expected to benefit local landowners socio-economically by promoting and supporting the implementation of practical measures that improve land use management and consequently mitigate climate change, thereby creating more resilient societies.

  • Project code: LIFE16 CCA/IT/000011
  • Financing Entity: LIFE programme
  • Status: Finished
  • Website: www.desert-adapt.it

CULTIVAR

Rede de competências para o desenvolvimento sustentável e inovação no setor Agroalimentar

Due to the inherent conditions and constraints of low-density areas in the Centre Region, as well as their high vulnerability to various climate change scenarios, it is crucial to address the territory in a disruptive and distinctive manner. In this context, only through a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions is it possible to enhance the endogenous genetic resources of the Centre Region and the processes that support them, thus sustainably advancing the agro-food sector.

The Integrated IC&T Programme CULTIVAR aims to address the challenges faced by the agro-food sector in the Centre Region, specifically by characterising, conserving, and valuing regional endogenous genetic resources in low-density areas. This will be achieved through a territorial development strategy that promotes and consolidates collaboration between institutions of science, technology, and higher education and the agro-food cluster.

  • Project code: CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000020
  • Financing Entity: CENTRO2020
  • Status: Finished
  • Website: www.icultivar.pt