There are lessons that cannot be found in textbooks, laboratories, or lecture halls. They are learned in the rhythm of the seasons, in the quiet wisdom of those who cultivate the land, and in conversations where science meets tradition beneath open skies. For four Agricultural Sciences students from California State University, Fresno, this summer in the Azores has become precisely that kind of education—a living classroom where every visit deepens not only academic knowledge but also a profound understanding of the relationship between people, food, and nature.
Throughout their month-long internship on Terceira Island, the students have been immersed in an extraordinary educational journey that extends well beyond their daily work experience. Thanks to the remarkable vision, meticulous planning, and extraordinary generosity of Engineer Liliana Borba, together with the unwavering support of her husband António Borba and their son André, the internship has evolved into a comprehensive exploration of Azorean agriculture in all its remarkable diversity.
Each carefully curated visit reveals another chapter in the story of agriculture in these volcanic islands—from dairy production and beef cattle to organic farming, sustainable innovation, biodiversity, food transformation, and environmental stewardship. Rather than simply observing agricultural operations, the students have been invited to understand the philosophy that sustains them: a vision in which economic development and environmental responsibility are not opposing forces but complementary aspirations.
One of the program’s most inspiring visits was to Bio Azórica, an institution that has become synonymous with the promotion and advancement of organic agriculture throughout the Azores.
Founded in 2001, Bio Azórica was created with an ambitious and visionary mission: to foster the production and consumption of organically grown products while respecting the environment, protecting biodiversity, and preserving the unique natural heritage of the Azorean Islands. More than a cooperative, Bio Azórica has become a movement dedicated to proving that sustainable agriculture can thrive while producing food of exceptional quality.
Its members include both certified organic producers and consumers committed to supporting environmentally responsible farming. Since launching its commercial operations in 2008, the cooperative has played an instrumental role in helping farmers transition from conventional production to certified organic systems, allowing them to differentiate themselves through quality, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
Today, Bio Azórica provides technical support for organic certification, educational programs, professional training, public awareness initiatives, and marketing opportunities for organic producers through its Organic Products Market, Casa do Jardim, and a growing network of commercial partners. In doing so, it has become one of the driving forces behind the steady growth of organic agriculture across the archipelago.
The Fresno State students were warmly welcomed by Bio Azórica President Dr. Mónica Oliveira, whose exceptional presentation offered both historical perspective and practical insight into the cooperative’s work. Her engaging overview demonstrated how science, environmental ethics, community collaboration, and entrepreneurial vision converge to create a resilient agricultural model uniquely suited to the Azores.
For the students, Dr. Oliveira’s presentation illustrated that organic agriculture is far more than an alternative production method—it represents an integrated philosophy grounded in ecological balance, consumer trust, and long-term sustainability. Questions flowed freely as discussions ranged from certification standards and market challenges to biodiversity, consumer education, and the future of sustainable food systems.
Experiences like these embody the true spirit of the internship. They allow students to compare agricultural systems across continents while appreciating how local geography, volcanic soils, maritime climate, and centuries of farming traditions have shaped an agricultural landscape unlike any other.
The Azores offer a compelling example of how innovation does not require abandoning tradition. Instead, the islands demonstrate how ancestral knowledge can coexist with cutting-edge research, modern environmental practices, and scientific rigor. It is a lesson particularly valuable for future agricultural professionals who will increasingly confront global challenges involving food security, climate resilience, and sustainable production.
Behind these transformative experiences stands Environmental Engineer Liliana Borba, whose dedication to education has made this program exceptional. Through months of planning and countless personal connections built over years within the agricultural community, she has created an internship that goes far beyond professional placement. She has opened doors that many visitors never have the opportunity to enter, introducing the students to producers, researchers, cooperatives, agricultural leaders, and innovators who generously share not only their expertise but also their passion for the land.
The warmth with which the students have been welcomed by every organization they visit reflects the remarkable spirit of collaboration that characterizes Azorean agriculture. It is a community that understands that knowledge grows richer when it is shared, and that investing in the education of future agricultural leaders benefits everyone.
As the internship continues, each visit adds another layer to the students’ understanding of the interconnected nature of agriculture, sustainability, and community. Together, these experiences form a mosaic of learning that cannot be replicated in any classroom alone.
For these four Fresno State students, the Azores are becoming more than a destination. They are becoming a place where agriculture is understood not simply as production, but as stewardship; not merely as science, but as culture; and not only as an economic activity, but as a living partnership between humanity and the natural world.
It is a lesson that will remain with them long after they return to California, carrying home not only new knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for the enduring wisdom cultivated among the green volcanic landscapes of the Azores.
Diniz Borges, for Novidades (the islands and the diaspora), Bruma Publications. Photos from Liliana Borba.
