Agricultural sectors face threats from wildlife and extreme weather

Agricultural producers in Portugal and Brazil are facing significant threats from environmental factors, ranging from wildlife interference to extreme weather events.

In Portugal, the ADFP Foundation reports that wild boar and roe deer populations are causing unsustainable damage to crops. In Sicó, wild boars are destroying grape clusters before harvest, while roe deer are consuming new shoots in vineyards, compromising plant development. In Fundão, wild boars are affecting grape production and damaging olive tree roots in super-intensive groves, which hinders nutrient absorption and reduces yields. The foundation has called for better hunting management to address these uncontrolled populations.

In Brazil, the intensification of the El Niño phenomenon is increasing the risk of extreme weather. In Paraná, farmers have already experienced the devastating impact of tornadoes, resulting in significant property and crop losses. Meteorologists from Simepar, citing NOAA data, indicate a high probability of El Niño reaching strong intensity, which is expected to cause increased instability, frequent storms, and consecutive rainy days through the first quarter of 2027. Experts emphasize the need for rural insurance and preventive agricultural policies to mitigate these growing risks.