Portuguese Agriculture Minister Vows to Enhance EU Fund Implementation

Published on

Portuguese Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes has committed to accelerating the implementation of various EU programs aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector. This pledge comes amid criticism from opposition parties regarding the government’s management of the ongoing bluetongue epidemic.

During a recent debate on the government’s proposal for the 2025 state budget, Minister Fernandes outlined the government’s strategy to enhance the implementation of EU funds. He stated that the government is focused on simplifying processes and ensuring that farmers receive payments on time, which he believes will foster stability and confidence in the agricultural sector.

Fernandes highlighted the reprogramming of the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC), stating that the primary objective is to boost farmers’ income and encourage generational renewal within the industry. The proposed state budget includes an annual contribution of €60 million until 2029, which is expected to raise the average farmer’s income from €81.7 per hectare to €126, marking an increase of over 50%.

In a significant move to support young farmers, the minister announced that they will now receive €50,000, representing a 100% increase in financial assistance. This initiative aims to attract new talent to the agricultural sector and ensure its sustainability in the long term.

Fernandes pointed out that the current government is committed to executing funds that were not utilized by previous administrations. He noted that between 2016 and 2023, the annual investment executed was €222.5 million, while the projected execution for the period from 2024 to 2029 is set at €246.3 million.

The minister also mentioned that the government has received €668 million from the Rural Development Plan (RDP) 2020, which must be implemented by 2025, along with an additional €400 million. This totals over €1 billion from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) that the government aims to implement within the next year and a half.

Latest Stories

Death Toll Rises As Protesters Rage Against Mozambique Election Result

In Mozambique, protests erupted following the announcement of the election results, leading to a...

Regulatory Developments in Portugal’s Crypto Sector

Portugal is making significant strides in the regulation of its cryptocurrency sector, aiming to...

Thousands Protest in Lisbon Against Police Violence

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Lisbon on Saturday to protest against police violence,...

Major Cocaine Seizure at Dublin Airport: €210,000 Worth of Drugs Discovered

A significant drug bust occurred at Dublin Airport on Friday night, where authorities seized...

Related Stories

Violent Incident at Restaurant in Lisbon

A violent incident occurred at a restaurant in Lisbon on November 1, 2024, when...

Stadler to Supply 24 New Trains for Lisbon Metro

Stadler has secured a contract to deliver 24 new metro trains to the Metropolitano de Lisboa, enhancing the city's public transport system.

Tragic Stabbing Near Colombo Mall in Lisbon Claims Life of Local Man

A man in his fifties tragically died after being stabbed near the Colombo shopping center in Lisbon.