Build Your Future in Rural Portugal — Business Partnerships & Sustainable Living

Mellow Cogumelo is seeking 2–4 motivated individuals or couples interested in helping develop two food businesses and a small, cooperative rural community on 30 hectares of off-grid land in southwest Portugal.
We’re looking for long-term partners, not short-term volunteers or visitors interested only in learning mushroom cultivation. This is an opportunity to help shape a project with substantial facilities and equipment already in place.

TWO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Artisan Neapolitan Pizza
Our mobile pizza operation includes an equipped professional kitchen, pizza trailer, and wood-fired oven. We’re particularly interested in someone with pizza-making experience who would enjoy developing and eventually managing this business.
Specialty Gourmet Mushrooms
Our mushroom facility includes a dedicated laboratory, production equipment, and controlled growing environments. Mushroom cultivation or farming experience is welcome, but initiative, practical skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are just as valuable.

MORE THAN A BUSINESS

Our wider vision is a small rural community built on independence, cooperation, mutual respect, and care for the land.
Future projects include vegetable gardens, orchards, regenerative agriculture, and further improvements to our off-grid infrastructure.
This is rural living, with its rewards and challenges. The property is reached by approximately 2 km of dirt road. We generate our own electricity and manage our water systems.
We maintain a non-smoking, drug-free environment. Reliable transportation, or a realistic plan for it, is important.

HOW IT COULD WORK

We hope to meet people who want to create lasting livelihoods by gradually taking greater responsibility for developing and operating the businesses.
We envision operating partnerships with increasing profit participation, based on mutually agreed responsibilities, milestones, and business performance.
These are developing commercial opportunities; immediate income cannot be guaranteed. Financial and working arrangements would be discussed individually and established through appropriate agreements.
On-site accommodation may be possible as part of an agreed arrangement.

WHO WE HOPE TO MEET

Practical, dependable, independent-minded people who like hands-on work and want to contribute to something for the long term.
Experience in food service, cultivation, agriculture, construction, mechanics, or business development is welcome. Shared values and commitment are most important.
If this speaks to you, please tell us about your background, skills, and what you’re hoping to build over the next few years.
Learn more on our Join Our Team page at mellowcogumelo.com.