EYES ON THE FIELD is a farm visit and dinner event that explores biodiversity using all of our senses.
During the farm visit, we will go on species-quests: observing, identifying and making connections between the organisms that live there. Findings from the quests will be transformed into a multi-course and multi-sensory dinner experience at Venn Canteen that showcases this biodiversity.
The goal of EYES ON THE FIELD is to increase the number of humans who are noticing and caring for biodiversity on farms and in their food. On your farm visit, you can use a custom digital tool that suggests instructions and activities for looking, listening and identifying the organisms that populate the specific landscape you are in. The result of these quests is a snapshot of the ecological networks that support the production of your food
The menu and interactive elements of the dinner will be inspired by the biodiversity we find in the field. Join us to discover and celebrate the agricultural biodiversity that surrounds us.
What to Expect
WORKSHOP (MAY 16) - Formiga Gloriosa (Muro, Trofa) 10h-14h
A farm site visit where a group of 10-15 participants use digital and analog tools (a web-hosted app & a printed field guide) to count biodiversity on the farm and learn about the different wild and cultivated species growing onsite.
SCHEDULE OF THE DAY
10:00 - Participants leave from Porto (Meeting Point: VENN Canteen)
10:30 - Arrive at Formiga Gloriosa | Hello | Intro | Farm Intro | Tools Overview & Setup
11:00 - Workshop begins with digital web app (smartphone) and analog tool (field guide)
12:30 - Light Packed Lunch by VENN & Discussion/Reflection
14:00 - Return to Porto (Drop-off Point: VENN Canteen)
About BITZ
BITZ is a digital tool that helps users observe, record, and reflect on biodiversity in specific places—such as farms, forests, or gardens. Designed by Nicetrails and the Genomic Gastronomy, BITZ prompts participants to engage with their surroundings through guided species-quests, encouraging deeper environmental noticing. The tool collects data in playful, sensory-driven ways, generating biodiversity snapshots that can be used for storytelling, research, or policy.
Joining the workshop and need transport to the farm located in Muro, Trofa?
If you're joining the workshop (with or without dinner), we offer a transport supplement of 5€ that covers a return trip from Venn Canteen to the farm and back!
Don’t forget to choose the option with the travel supplement when buying your ticket!!
MULTI SENSORIAL DINNER (MAY 18) - VENN Canteen (Porto) 17h30-22h
On the following Sunday, Venn Canteen hosts a unique dinner where field research meets flavour. This multi-course, multi-sensorial meal draws directly from species observed during a biodiversity workshop at a local farm. Guests begin with an immersive audiovisual installation in the basement before sitting down to a menu inspired by wild plants, companion species, and ecological stories. Each dish, crafted by chefs Monika Błoch and Barney Pau, invites you to experience the living networks that shape our food system.
WELCOME DRINK
wild herb infusion
STARTER
cucumber • beetroot • wild fennel • wild garlic
DISH 1
fried foraged mushrooms • nasturtium • clovers • nettles • brewer’s yeast
DISH 2
lasagnette • pickled wild garlic flowers • almond and olive oil sauce
DESSERT
oat ice cream • dandelion ‘honey’ • lemon verbena leaf tempura
About Genomic Gastronomy
Genomic Gastronomy is an artist-led think tank launched in 2010. Their mission is to map food controversies, prototype alternative culinary futures and imagine a more just, biodiverse & beautiful food system. They are currently based in the Netherlands & Portugal.
About Nicetrails
Nicetrails is a design-centric SME that prototypes with emerging technologies such as digital fabrication, augmented reality and AI to build solutions and digital businesses.
The BITZ development team is composed of
Bernat Cuní — an artist working with code, crafts and robots exploring the digitisation of objects and spaces. He practices around digital craftsmanship, experimenting with 3D AI AR.
Ruben Gres — a machine learning engineer who creates playful and creative experiences that connect humans and Al through interactive design.
