Arcos de Valdevez hosts summit on extensive pastoralism

Government officials, local leaders, and agricultural representatives met in Arcos de Valdevez to discuss the future of extensive pastoralism as part of the International Year of Pastures and Shepherds. The discussions focused on the role of livestock farming in landscape preservation, ecosystem conservation, and rural wildfire prevention.

Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, highlighted a support program for extensive pastoralism featuring an annual budget of 30 million euros, totaling 150 million euros over five years. This includes 30,000 euro installation grants aimed at attracting younger people to the sector.

Local authorities and environmental officials emphasized the need to balance traditional knowledge with innovation to ensure the sustainability of rural communities and the economic viability of local products.