Portuguese agricultural sectors seek urgent financial aid and subsidies

Portuguese agricultural sectors are facing significant financial pressures and seeking various forms of government support. The Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP) has demanded an urgent €140 million aid package to restore competitiveness, citing rising production costs for fuel and fertilizers. CAP warned that protests would be “inevitable” if the government does not respond to the disparity between Portuguese and Spanish agricultural subsidies.

In the Douro Demarcated Region (RDD), applications for extraordinary income support for viticulturists opened on September 28 and will run until October 12. This €12 million non-reimbursable fund aims to assist producers who may leave grapes unharvested during the 2026/2027 campaign due to market difficulties. The Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP) will manage the process via electronic application.

Additionally, farmers in five parishes of Águeda are eligible for aid to recover from July 2026 wildfires. This support, funded through PEPAC, can cover up to 100% of eligible expenses under €10,000, with varying rates for larger expenses depending on agricultural insurance.

Separately, local authorities represented by ANAFRE are advocating for increased funding and access to European funds for housing, alongside demands for parish presidents to serve on a full-time basis.