Syntropic Agroforestry and sustainable landscaping for a Holiday Village and its Restaurant
Évora
Calipos Farm is a vibrant and fast-evolving agroforestry project in the heart of Alentejo, Portugal, where we are regenerating the land using the powerful principles of syntropic farming. On more than 2 hectares of syntropic systems, we are transforming the previously quiet empty land into an oasis of abundance, biodiversity, and healthy soil, using trees as the engine of this transformation.
The Journey of Calipos Farm began three years ago, when Marc Leiber established the first agroforest system focused on fruit production. Thanks to careful design, intensive planting, and dedicated management, this system is already producing an impressive variety of fruits while continuously improving soil fertility and ecosystem health.
Since then, we have expanded significantly. Today, multiple syntropic systems are in place, combining fruit trees, vegetables, support species and ornamental plants. These systems are not only productive but also serve as living examples of how agriculture can restore ecosystems rather than deplete them. Alongside food production, we also work on ecological landscaping and creating a microclimate that is incomparable to the portuguese landscape we are used to
Calipo is more than a farm — it is a learning space, an experiment, and a community. We welcome volunteers who are curious, motivated, and excited to get their hands in the soil. Here, you will learn about syntropic agroforestry, plant succession, pruning techniques, soil regeneration, and the rhythms of working closely with nature.
Life on the farm is dynamic and hands-on. Depending on the season, activities may include soil preperation, planting, pruning, harvesting, mulching, seed propagation. There is also space for creativity, exchange of ideas, and shared meals.
We are looking for people who are genuinely interested in regenerative agriculture, open to learning, and willing to contribute with energy and presence. In return, we offer practical knowledge, meaningful work, and the experience of being part of a growing regenerative ecosystem.
The gardening team eats together for breakfast and lunch. Usually each one prepares dinner for themselves and we occasionally cook together in the evenings.
Join us in co-creating an oasis — one that feeds both people and the land.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Viticulture
Forestry
Flower farming
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Holistic management
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Rotational grazing
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
Former WWOOFer
30
Hectares
|
74.1
Acres
Frieder
Member since 2020
Languages spoken:
English, Portuguese
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 73%
Response time: typically within 6 days
Évora
Vila Viçosa
Reviews
Dylan
Netherlands
•
July 2025
Wauw, I spend two weeks at the calipo project and it was quite intense! Frieder and Beatriz are two hard working people who are trying to create an magical green environment near a five star hotel. I had a warm welcome and was directly educated by Frieder and Beatriz about syntropic farming and the purpose of their way of working. I got an single appartement for myself which was really luxurious! We had breakfast and lunch together in which we talked about interesting topics and we ate some lovely food. There are free eggs because of chickens 👌🏼. I learned a lot about mulching, plant types, plant functions, soil protection, pruning and much more. Besides the work I sometimes did feel a bit lonely, because there was not a lot to do outside de property. There are interesting books to read. Sometimes it would have been nice to explore a bit more with the host, but there was no time because they were constantly working. The hotel management and communication is poor which sometimes really affected the atmosphere of the host and partner. The work that Frieder and Beatriz have done and are doing, is not being appreciated enough to the level that it should be. At the end I am grateful to have got the opportunity to stay here, and would recommend this place, if you are a person who is interested in syntropic farming, and is okay with being alone sometimes.
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