2015
Sementes Vivas is born
Founded in Idanha-a-Nova with the mission of recovering traditional varieties and producing organic and biodynamic seeds of vegetables, flowers and herbs.
About us
Seeds rooted in purity and purpose.
At Sementes Vivas, we are driven by one mission: making organic seeds accessible to everyone — nourishing both people and the planet.
We are an Iberian company specialising in organic and biodynamic open-pollinated seeds. We believe every seed has the power to transform the future — and our network brings together more than 30 local growers committed to excellence and ecological responsibility.
What drives us
Every seed carries a future.
Organic and biodynamic
Open-pollinated seeds, grown without synthetic chemicals, in harmony with the cycles of the earth and the moon.
Traditional varieties
We recover and safeguard regional varieties, preserving the flavour and memory of Portuguese vegetable gardens.
A living network
More than 30 local growers multiply our seeds, from the field to your garden, with dedication and know-how.
A decade of growth
Our story, season by season
From a small farm in Idanha-a-Nova to an international network of seed guardians. Scroll through a decade of sowing.
2016
Restoring the Quinta do Couto da Várzea
We began restoring 25 hectares of farmland that had been abandoned for more than 10 years. We cleared brambles, built polytunnels and set up the nursery and the processing building.
2017
Growing our seed production
The first farmers join the network. We began multiplying seeds locally using 100% organic methods (MPB) — a first in Portugal.
2017
First steps in recovering traditional varieties
Work on recovering traditional varieties begins, alongside our tomato breeding programme, selecting drought-resistant varieties that adapt to the climate.
2018
Seed multiplier network
Our work grew from one-off projects into a dedicated network of around 35 farmer-multipliers, 100% MPB, producing the best seeds across Portugal.
2019
Old buildings get a new life
We completed the restoration of the historic buildings of the Herdade do Couto da Várzea, preserving their original style and modernising our seed storage and processing facilities.
2021
International expansion
We reach the German, Swiss and Austrian markets. Portuguese seeds, grown by our network of producers, begin reaching gardens and farmers across Europe.
2022
Six traditional varieties registered
After 6 years of selecting, describing and multiplying — Pau Roxo das Seis Marias, Murtosa, Sabugal, Cereja de Inverno and others enter the national variety catalogue.
2023
Moganga de Geraz registered
A traditional squash variety, patiently recovered by one of our multipliers, is officially catalogued — one more seed saved from disappearing.
2024
Our seeds reach Japan
We began exporting to Japan — a market with deep respect for seed quality, genetic purity and the cultural heritage of each variety.
2026Today
First organic heterogeneous material registered in Portugal
Aurora Violeta and Marro — two broad bean varieties of organic heterogeneous material — are registered. Genetically more diverse, more stable and more adaptable to variations in climate and soil.
In numbers
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"Together, we have built a truly national project, rooted in excellence, sustainability and the regeneration of our agricultural heritage."— Sementes Vivas
Sowing together
Sow with us a living future.
Explore our catalogue of organic and biodynamic open-pollinated seeds. Nature will thank you — and so will your body.