The south of Portugal has been particularly affected by climate change, and the degradation of natural resources is increasing, with soil and climate conditions, aggravated by constant and extreme droughts, leading to desertification. This discourages agricultural production and creates precarious economic conditions in the region, which has no significant industrial output.

TUI Field to Fork Portugal covers 4,000 hectares of land around the Mértola area. The programme offers training on regenerative agriculture practices to 140 people. These participants are also part of a regenerative farmers’ community of practice, through which farmers new to the concept can learn from more expert implementors. Several demonstration farms from role model practitioners serve as inspiration and learning spaces for new participants.

The project also establishes important links to the local tourism ecosystem, with a regenerative food hub, which is a combined retail and restaurant space, offering visitors a place to engage with the concept of regenerative agriculture. Additionally, the programme creates a tourism product for 15,000 international as well as domestic tourists.

A 5-workshop incubator on regenerative business practices enables 60 entrepreneurs to grow their functional business knowledge and explore further income opportunities around regenerative agriculture.