Agriculture Minister says support of 162 million in 2027 alone

O agriculture Minister said today that it was only in 2027 that “there will be more than EUR 162 million for support” for farmers to compensate for the rise in production costs and regain competitiveness with Spain.

“ What I told you is very clear. We have increased the farmer's income per year by more than EUR 200 million. It was a good time that we did so, with criticism from the Socialist Party and Enough. In 2027, but with approval now [State Budget] – and we cannot anticipate this because it is a possibility that the European regulation gives us – there will be more than EUR 162 million, a 10% increase for income support,” he said.

Some 150 agroforestry association leaders today demanded support from the Government to compensate for the increase in production costs and regain competitiveness with Spain, in a concentration with the Assembly of the Republic (HR) in Lisbon.

A delegation led by the President of the Confederation of Farmers of Portugal (CAP) went to the parliament to demand that the government compensate the sector for 140 million euros to create competitive conditions for the sector.

For the confederation led by Álvaro Mendonça and Moura, this is “an indispensable response to compensate for the worsening costs of production and mitigate the lost competitiveness” vis-à-vis the neighbouring country.

José Manuel Fernandes recalled that this year the country lived “a train of storms” that forced “an additional effort of EUR 250 million in the State Budget”.

“ We also had European funds worth 200 million. Nor did I mention the credit lines, with guarantees from us in 2026, this year, of more than EUR 430 million,” José Manuel Fernandes said.

The governor said that the difference with Spain lies, in particular and above all, in agricultural diesel.".

“We also supported 10 cents per litre for a total of 25 million euros. Sometimes they say so, ah, but the Socialist Party Government, at the time of the Ukraine War, gave more support. It's fake. He gave his support last year, and we're giving it to him immediately. We are doing our utmost”, he argued.

The Minister of Agriculture said that the government has “a goal that, if it does not, penalizes everyone”.

“ We seek to have a ‘deficit’ [deficit] close to zero. And even we will have a ‘superavit’ [surplus]. And if we don’t do that, then interest rates went up and the fact that we have a fifth consecutively positive rating [evaluation] is important to us,” he said.

The ruler said that the government “is doing its utmost” and realizes that there are farmers in difficulty.”.

“ Unfortunately, the ones in greatest difficulty are the ones with the least voice. Those who have seen their triple incomes are those who, in essence, manifest themselves most, but my job is to serve everyone. Meet everyone according to the specificities [of each region]. And never forget the little ones”, he concluded.