In the 60s, the Tavira Agrarian Post was buzzing with activity. In addition to the various areas of experimentation, it was also this nucleus that provided technical support to farmers throughout the Algarve.
“The entire agricultural development of the Algarve started from here” recalls engineer Rafael Cordeiro, in the 6th episode of the collection «Histórias do Posto Agrário», developed by the Citizens' Movement by CEAT and Hortas Urbanas.
At the time, “Tavira was a nucleus that stood out from other regions” for providing technical assistance to more or less distant areas, such as Faro, Portimão or Silves.
“At the national level, Tavira's technicians were respected”, emphasizes Rafael Cordeiro, adding that his opinion was recognized at the national level.
Responsible for the experimental part of Estação Agrária, he also dedicated himself to the study and development of the table grape vineyard, which at the time was an agricultural area with a lot of promotion.
Of the 18 experimental fields in the Algarve, most of them in Sotavento, he had 12 in charge. “In addition to installing the camps, we had to monitor the camps, do the necessary cultural care and then make the observations”, he explains. 'Dona Maria', a variety that is currently well known to consumers, was studied here by engineer Cordeiro.
The good memories come from the fields of the Posto Agrário to the Cordeiro family. “Our family has always had great ties to the Posto Agrário”, reveals Elsa Cordeiro, her daughter and current vice-president of the Algarve Regional Development and Coordination Commission.
Daughter and father are together in the house he received and saw the birth and growth of most of his direct relatives. It's as if the Agrarian Post were her family home.
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