As a consequence of the economic, social and political environment created in post-war Europe, the Wheat Campaign was launched in 1929, focusing on implementing cereal production as an initiative to establish the country’s food self-sufficiency. This led to excessive production, which over time caused soil erosion and radically altered the Alentejo landscape.

In this context, a building complex consisting of silos, a milling factory and granaries was constructed in Mértola between 1938 and 1956. It became the main source of income for the town for part of the 20th century until it was abandoned in 1961. Later, this industrial heritage was managed by EPAC (Public Grain Supply Company), which was dissolved in 1999. Since then, the building, a unique feature in the landscape on the Guadiana riverside opposite to the historic centre of the town, has been in a state of increasing degradation.

EBM will have its permanent physical structure in the former EPAC granaries, in Além Rio, which are currently undergoing rehabilitation and adaptation, in a project co-financed by the “Alentejo 2020” Program and the Municipality of Mértola. The space, comprising five floors, will feature: laboratories (wildlife health, ecology and molecular biology); offices and workrooms; accommodation aimed at hosting work teams (researchers, specialised technicians and students); an open social area to encourage contact and the exchange of experiences between the scientific community and the general community; and a space for training actions and demonstration activities. This structure will enable the development of scientific activities in a unique model of proximity and collaboration with the territories and their organisations.