Baraka
Syntropic agroforestry
Why we chose
What Is Syntropic Agroforestry?
Syntropic agroforestry is a farming system developed by Swiss-Brazilian farmer Ernst Götsch that works with nature rather than against it. The core idea is to mimic the way natural forests grow and evolve — planting diverse species together in layers, following the natural process of ecological succession.
In practice, this means tall trees provide shade and shelter, mid-sized crops thrive beneath them, and smaller plants flourish at ground level. Everything is planted together in high density and diversity — not in monoculture rows, but in an interconnected system that gets richer and more productive over time. The result is a farming approach that regenerates soil, builds biodiversity, and requires less and less external input as the system matures.
The word “syntropic” itself is the opposite of “entropic” — instead of breaking down, the system continuously generates more energy, more life, and more abundance than it consumes.
In practice, this means tall trees provide shade and shelter, mid-sized crops thrive beneath them, and smaller plants flourish at ground level. Everything is planted together in high density and diversity — not in monoculture rows, but in an interconnected system that gets richer and more productive over time. The result is a farming approach that regenerates soil, builds biodiversity, and requires less and less external input as the system matures.
The word “syntropic” itself is the opposite of “entropic” — instead of breaking down, the system continuously generates more energy, more life, and more abundance than it consumes.
Working With Nature
Why Syntropic Agroforestry Was the Natural Choice
Our Story
Considering it is just the two of us managing one hectare of land, we knew from the start that we needed nature on our side. Syntropic agroforestry gives us exactly that. Instead of constantly battling weeds, pests, and exhausted soil, we are gradually building a system that supports itself.
For us, establishing syntropic agroforestry at Baraka Forest is an ongoing learning process — and one of the most interesting things we have ever done. We observe what works and what doesn’t, make mistakes, learn from them, and do better. Every season teaches us something new about what is possible to grow here, which special plants thrive in the unique volcanic soil of São Miguel, and how to balance productivity with soil enrichment and wind protection.
It is not a perfect science — it is a living, evolving relationship with the land. And that, honestly, is what makes it so rewarding.
For us, establishing syntropic agroforestry at Baraka Forest is an ongoing learning process — and one of the most interesting things we have ever done. We observe what works and what doesn’t, make mistakes, learn from them, and do better. Every season teaches us something new about what is possible to grow here, which special plants thrive in the unique volcanic soil of São Miguel, and how to balance productivity with soil enrichment and wind protection.
It is not a perfect science — it is a living, evolving relationship with the land. And that, honestly, is what makes it so rewarding.
For Jules, farming has always been inseparable from deep respect for nature. After studying organic agriculture in Germany and spending fifteen years as an organic farmer in Switzerland, conventional farming was never an option. The principle is simple: healthy soil leads to healthy plants, healthy plants lead to healthy animals, and healthy animals lead to healthy people.
When we began thinking about what kind of system to establish at Baraka Forest, syntropic philosophy resonated deeply with us: nature is an enormous, unstoppable force. Just like in the ocean, you can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf. You cannot win by fighting nature, but when you work together with it, you actually have a chance — not just to succeed, but to enjoy the process and even have some free time along the way!
When we began thinking about what kind of system to establish at Baraka Forest, syntropic philosophy resonated deeply with us: nature is an enormous, unstoppable force. Just like in the ocean, you can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf. You cannot win by fighting nature, but when you work together with it, you actually have a chance — not just to succeed, but to enjoy the process and even have some free time along the way!
Our Current System at Baraka Forest
Alongside the bananas, we planted papayas, passion fruit, and other fast-producing perennial species. These give us harvests relatively quickly while still being long-term productive plants.
We also grow annual vegetables — pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, patisson, mangold, beetroot, and many others. These give us produce to sell at the local farmers’ market and provide actual harvest and income during those critical first years.
For the longer term, we are focused on fruit trees and nut trees, most of which are still young and growing. We have planted species that are well adapted to the local São Miguel climate — avocados, annonas, persimmons, and nesperos — all of which are thriving and growing fast.
At the same time, we are experimenting with the most sheltered corners of our land to introduce tropical species that are not so common on the island — mango, soursop, dragon fruit, and tamarind. We think of ourselves as smart traders: on one hand, we invest in what is proven and safe; on the other hand, we push the boundaries of what is possible in the Azores climate. We genuinely enjoy both sides of that equation.
We also grow annual vegetables — pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, patisson, mangold, beetroot, and many others. These give us produce to sell at the local farmers’ market and provide actual harvest and income during those critical first years.
For the longer term, we are focused on fruit trees and nut trees, most of which are still young and growing. We have planted species that are well adapted to the local São Miguel climate — avocados, annonas, persimmons, and nesperos — all of which are thriving and growing fast.
At the same time, we are experimenting with the most sheltered corners of our land to introduce tropical species that are not so common on the island — mango, soursop, dragon fruit, and tamarind. We think of ourselves as smart traders: on one hand, we invest in what is proven and safe; on the other hand, we push the boundaries of what is possible in the Azores climate. We genuinely enjoy both sides of that equation.
After we finished clearing the land, we were left with essentially bare soil and just a few scattered trees. We needed to start from scratch, so we began planting fruit trees in rows alongside supportive species — all working together in our syntropic design.
The backbone of our system is bananas, which we call “the mothers” in syntropic agroforestry terminology. And there’s a reason for that name: bananas grow incredibly fast, they provide shelter for other plants, they generate harvest, and they continuously feed the soil with biomass and humidity. Bananas are the key species in our system.
We planted row after row of a special variety called banana prata — the silver banana. This isn’t a commercial strain. What makes it special is that it’s a taller variety with a longer harvest cycle — you get your fruit over two years rather than one, and the yield is less than commercial bananas. But the taste is extraordinary — incredibly sweet with a subtle citrus note. It’s truly delicious.
The backbone of our system is bananas, which we call “the mothers” in syntropic agroforestry terminology. And there’s a reason for that name: bananas grow incredibly fast, they provide shelter for other plants, they generate harvest, and they continuously feed the soil with biomass and humidity. Bananas are the key species in our system.
We planted row after row of a special variety called banana prata — the silver banana. This isn’t a commercial strain. What makes it special is that it’s a taller variety with a longer harvest cycle — you get your fruit over two years rather than one, and the yield is less than commercial bananas. But the taste is extraordinary — incredibly sweet with a subtle citrus note. It’s truly delicious.
Our Blog
