EPISODE 12 CULTIVATING THE FUTURE

Episode 12 Cultivating the Future: Innovation & Sustainability in Portuguese Agriculture with Daniel Montes

How Innovation, Sustainability, and Technology Are Shaping the Future of Portuguese Agriculture with Daniel Montes

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to Podcast Portugal! I'm your host, Justin West, and this is Episode 12. Today, we’re diving into the world of sustainable agriculture with Daniel Montes—an agronomic engineer, bioenergy expert, and agricultural entrepreneur leading innovative projects across Portugal.

After beginning his career in biofuels and biotech investment, Daniel returned to Portugal to modernise Trevo – Floresta, Agricultura e Ambiente. Now, he spearheads initiatives in regenerative farming, CO₂ reduction, and water conservation while managing 40 hectares of almond orchards and advising 16 producers across 900 hectares of fruit farms.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of sustainable farming, the role of technology in agriculture, and the future of food production in Portugal. From water scarcity to labor shortages, Daniel shares insights on the key issues shaping modern farming and how innovation is paving the way forward.

Tune in to explore how Portugal’s agricultural landscape is evolving and what it means for farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Episode Breakdown:

1. Introduction

• Welcome & introduction to Daniel Montes.

• Overview of his career—from bioenergy research to leading Trevo and managing orchards.

• The intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and regenerative sustainability in agriculture.

2. Early Career & Bioenergy

• What are biofuels, and why was this an exciting field of study?

• What are carbon credits?

• What drew Daniel back to Portugal and the Alqueva project?

3. Trevo & Agricultural Entrepreneurship

• What is Trevo, and how does it support sustainable farming?

• The importance of forest restoration, hedgerow planting, and water conservation.

• Challenges of managing large-scale fruit orchards.

4. Sustainability & Climate Challenges

• The impact of water in the Alqueva region.

• Strategies for water conservation and sustainable land management.

• How EU pesticide regulations affect fruit and almond farming.

5. The Role of Technology & Mechanisation

• How technology is transforming modern agriculture.

• The role of mechanisation in addressing labor shortages.

• Challenges for small farmers in adopting new technologies.

6. Labor & the Future of Farming

• The struggle to find agricultural workers and its impact on local society.

• Will seasonal labor always be necessary, or can technology change that?

• Potential policies and innovations to improve agricultural labor sustainability.

7. Looking Ahead: Opportunities & Innovation

• Key opportunities in Portuguese agriculture over the next decade.

• Future plans for Daniel’s personal farming projects.

• Advice for young professionals interested in agronomy and sustainable farming.

8. Closing & Key Takeaways

• Final thoughts from Daniel Montes.

• Where listeners can follow his work or learn more.

• Outro and thanks.

Join us for this insightful conversation on the future of farming in Portugal!

To contact Daniels consultancy firm, Trevo.