Agricultural waste conversion initiatives expand in Brazil and Portugal

Agricultural organizations in Brazil and Portugal are expanding circular economy initiatives through the production of organic fertilizers from waste.

In Brazil, Cooperativa Vinícola Garibaldi has implemented a process where all grape processing residues—including pomace, stems, seeds, and lees—undergo composting. Starting with the 2025 harvest, 100% of these residues are sent to a licensed partner to be converted into biofertilizers. This initiative aims to return nutrients to the soil, with an estimated 50% of the nutrients extracted by the plant during growth being recovered through this cycle. The cooperative processes approximately 4.5 million kilograms of organic waste annually.

In Portugal, Resialentejo has launched a campaign for CompostoAlentejo, an organic soil conditioner produced at the Parque Ambiental do Montinho in Beja. The product is created by composting the organic fraction of urban waste from the region, supplemented with garden green waste. The resulting compost is rich in organic matter and macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, designed to improve soil water retention and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. It is intended for use in orchards, olive groves, vineyards, and forestry.