In the steep, sun-baked vineyards of the Douro Valley, weed control is a perennial challenge. Mechanical tools struggle on sharp slopes, and herbicides conflict with organic and artisanal farming values. Could one of Portugal’s oldest farm companions — the humble donkey — be part of the solution? And might such use help preserve native breeds now at risk?
Donkeys: More Than Historical Farm Helpers
Donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) have been traditional farm companions across many parts of Portugal for centuries, prized for their sure-footedness, endurance, and ability to thrive in dry, rugged terrain. Historically, they were used to plough fields, carry loads, and help families work plots where machinery could not go. (IIEA)
Today, their role on modern agricultural land is less clear — and in some ways endangered. The Miranda donkey, the only officially recognised Portuguese donkey breed, is now considered vulnerable, with estimates suggesting far fewer purebred working animals remain than in past decades. (Wikipedia)
Why Donkeys Could Help Vineyards
Donkeys are natural browsers — they graze a wide range of vegetation and particularly enjoy coarse, fibrous plants and weeds that many grazing animals avoid. This means they can help keep ground cover low between vine rows without the need for machinery or herbicides. (IIEA)
Their steady grazing and movement through irregular terrain make them especially suited to viticultural landscapes like the Douro Valley, where terraced slopes and narrow rows limit the use of tractors or mowers. Because donkeys are low to the ground and gentle-hoofed, the risk of damaging vines is lower than with larger livestock under careful management. (petshun.com)
Moreover, using animals for vegetation control can improve soil health through natural fertilisation: manure adds nutrients slowly and can boost soil structure over time. (petshun.com)
A Dual Opportunity: Sustainable Weed Management & Breed Preservation
At the same time, integrating donkeys into vineyard systems could help give purpose — and economic value — to native Portuguese breeds that are struggling. The Miranda donkey has seen its numbers decline dramatically with modern agricultural mechanisation and rural depopulation, with some projections warning the breed could be at risk of disappearing within a few decades without intervention. (The Portugal News)
Reimagining donkeys as vineyard weed managers, eco-tourism ambassadors, or even participants in regenerative agriculture projects could create new incentives for breeding and care. For small artisanal farms in the Douro seeking to reduce chemical inputs and embrace organic practices, this blended role offers both practical benefits and a compelling story of heritage preservation.
What It Takes to Work With Donkeys
Using donkeys effectively in vineyards would not be as simple as releasing them into the rows. Good management is key:
- Targeted grazing systems to protect young vines and avoid damage during sensitive growth stages.
- Adequate fencing and shelter to keep animals safe and contained.
- Ongoing animal welfare practices, including parasite control and veterinary care. (Universidade de Lisboa)
Animals also require proper supervision, and integrating them into a vineyard would need thoughtful planning about seasons, vine growth, ground vegetation, and water access — especially in the hot summers typical of the Douro.
A Vision for the Future of Douro Agriculture
As viticulture around the world looks for productive ways to reduce chemical use and reconnect farming with ecology, the idea of using donkeys for weed control offers both a practical tool and a cultural story. For the Douro Valley — a landscape where agriculture, history, and community are intertwined — projects that pair sustainable vineyard management with the protection of endangered local breeds could create a richer, more resilient future.
Whether or not every vineyard embraces donkeys, the conversation itself highlights an important point: sustainability isn’t just about reducing inputs; it’s about valuing heritage, biodiversity, and the living networks that make a landscape unique.
