Some lessons in agriculture cannot be learned in a classroom. They must be discovered in the quiet rhythm of a pasture, in the patient gaze of an animal, in the volcanic soil that has nourished generations, and in the vision of people willing to imagine a future where others saw only tradition.

For the Fresno State Agricultural Studies students spending a month on Terceira Island through the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute’s international internship program, a visit to Asinus Atlanticus became one of those unforgettable lessons. It was not simply a tour of a farm. It was an encounter with innovation rooted deeply in heritage, where biodiversity, science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability converge in one remarkable project.

Situated in the middle of the North Atlantic, the Azores occupy a unique place between Europe and North America. For centuries, these volcanic islands have served as stepping stones across the ocean, shaped by fertile soils, abundant rainfall, and the gentle influence of the Gulf Stream. Their emerald pastures—among the richest natural grazing lands in the world—have long sustained an agricultural economy renowned for its dairy production. Yet agriculture in the Azores has never been solely about cattle. Hidden within its rural landscape are stories of native breeds, resilient species, and innovative farmers determined to preserve what makes these islands unique.

Asinus Atlanticus is one of those stories.

Founded in 2012, the company began with only a handful of donkeys and an ambitious dream: to transform donkey milk into a premium product while simultaneously protecting one of the Azores’ most endangered animal breeds. Today, what started as a small experiment has evolved into an internationally recognized enterprise combining agriculture, veterinary science, pharmaceutical technology, and environmental stewardship.

The company manages every stage of production—from the careful treatment of the animals to the milking process, laboratory pasteurization, freeze-drying (lyophilization), product development, and exportation. Every step reflects an extraordinary commitment to quality while never losing sight of the welfare of the animals that make the project possible.

Equally inspiring is the company’s commitment to preserving the Graciosa Dwarf Donkey, an endemic Azorean breed officially recognized in 2015. Once essential to everyday rural life throughout the islands, these small donkeys nearly disappeared as mechanization transformed agriculture. At Asinus Atlanticus, however, they have found not merely a sanctuary but a renewed purpose.

Gentle, intelligent, and perfectly adapted to the volcanic terrain of the Azores, these remarkable animals embody centuries of agricultural history. By creating an economic value for their preservation, Asinus Atlanticus demonstrates one of the most effective models of conservation: protecting biodiversity by making sustainability economically viable.

Innovation, however, is never the work of one individual.

Behind Asinus Atlanticus stands a multidisciplinary team whose combined expertise illustrates how modern agriculture increasingly depends upon collaboration across diverse scientific fields. The company is led by partners Dr. Rute do Couto, a cardiologist and managing partner of Cardiangra; Marcos do Couto, whose background in education and organizational leadership has helped shape the company’s strategic vision; and institutional partner Portugal Ventures, which holds a 32 percent stake and has recognized the international potential of the project.

Supporting them is an exceptional technical team that reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of contemporary agriculture. Agricultural engineer Rita Rodrigues oversees animal husbandry and milking operations. Pharmacist Pedro Freitas, with graduate expertise in clinical analysis, directs the sophisticated lyophilization process essential for preserving the milk’s unique qualities. Economist Dora Pereira contributes financial and organizational expertise, while molecular biologist Romeo Domenico brings cutting-edge knowledge in infant nutrition, food safety, and contaminant-free production. Veterinary oversight further ensures that animal health remains central to every aspect of the operation.

For the Fresno State students, the visit revealed how agriculture today extends far beyond fields and barns. It embraces biotechnology, food science, veterinary medicine, international marketing, conservation biology, and entrepreneurship—all working together toward a common purpose.

The students left with a deeper appreciation that sustainable agriculture is not simply about producing food. It is about preserving ecosystems, protecting endangered breeds, creating rural economic opportunities, and honoring cultural landscapes while embracing scientific innovation.

Experiences like this are only possible because of extraordinary community partnerships.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Liliana Borba and her family, whose generosity, hospitality, and tireless work continue to make these transformative educational experiences possible for Fresno State students. Their commitment has become one of the cornerstones of this month-long internship program, opening doors that no classroom alone could ever provide and allowing students to engage directly with the people, institutions, and innovations shaping the future of the Azores.

Special recognition is also due to Marcos do Couto, not only for his leadership within Asinus Atlanticus but also for his broader vision as President of the Chamber of Commerce of Terceira Island. His understanding that innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and international partnerships must advance together exemplifies the type of leadership that helps small island economies thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

As the Fresno State students continued their journey across Terceira, they carried with them more than photographs of donkeys grazing against the backdrop of volcanic hillsides. They carried a renewed understanding that agriculture flourishes where science respects nature, where innovation protects tradition, and where people have the courage to invest in ideas that seem improbable until they become indispensable.

In the quiet pastures of Terceira, among one of Europe’s rarest donkey breeds, they discovered something larger than an agricultural enterprise.

They discovered that the future of farming often begins by remembering what the world was once willing to forget.

https://www.asinusatlanticus.com

Story based on various sources, including Liliana Borba and the company’s site. Photos by Liliana Borba.