The remote community of Idanha-a-Nova in eastern Portugal has developed an innovative concept under the leadership of its mayor and organic farmer, Armindo Jacinto. Farmers can lease land on the condition that they farm it organically, and the school cafeterias in the region are supplied 100% with organic products. This year, all the catering at the fair was sourced from organic farming.

An outstanding example of sustainable development in the region is the company Sementes Vivas, founded by Stefan Doeblin. It produces organic and biodynamic seeds, demonstrating the capability of biodynamic initiatives to create sustainable jobs. Collaborating with local farmers who produce seeds for Sementes Vivas, it contributes to the economic stability and ecological diversity of the region.

Mayor Armindo Jacinto opened the conference with a detailed presentation on the development of Idanha-a-Nova. This was followed by the keynote speech from Jean-Michel Florin, co-head of the Section for Agriculture. Additionally, there were various contributions on the history of biodynamic farming in Portugal, certification processes, and the connection between anthroposophy and biodynamic agriculture.

A special highlight of the congress was the introduction of the newly reissued Portuguese edition of the Agriculture Course, published and bound by the printing and bookbinding department of the institution Casa San Isabel, supported by the Section for Agriculture.

The event provided valuable opportunities for knowledge and experience exchange. It marked a significant step in the development and promotion of biodynamic agriculture in Portugal.