She moved to a farm where she protects springs, grows food and lets animals roam free

For the past 12 years, Brazilian actress Lúcia Veríssimo has lived much of her daily life away from television studios. At 68, she spends a large part of her time on a farm in Chiador, in Minas Gerais’ Zona da Mata, where rural life has become part of an environmental conservation project.

The property combines native vegetation, protected water sources, agriculture and animals that move freely through the land. The model aims to bring food production and environmental preservation together in the same space.

Veríssimo’s last telenovela was Globo’s “Amor à Vida,” which aired in 2013. She did not leave the audiovisual industry altogether, continuing with screenwriting, directing and production work and appearing in streaming projects. One of those was Globoplay’s “Rensga Hits!,” in which she played Maria Abadia.

The farm now occupies a central place in her life. Nearly half of its area is covered by Atlantic Forest, according to information published about the property. Reforestation around springs helps protect the vegetation surrounding the water sources, while the farm also has reservoirs.

Its agricultural areas produce beans, corn, vegetables and fruit. The property also has an apiary, horses, poultry, cattle and goats, all kept free to move around the land. Dogs and cats are also allowed to roam, under rules requiring them to be vaccinated and sterilized. The farm has been presented as a sustainable development project built around native vegetation, water protection, agriculture and animal care.