Portugal seeks EU funding for livestock-based wildfire prevention

Portugal is requesting funding from the European Union's next long-term budget to support farmers using livestock, such as goats, sheep, and cattle, to graze vegetation in high-risk forest fire areas. Portuguese Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes stated that while Portugal and certain regions in Spain currently fund these programs nationally, the work serves the interests of the entire EU by preventing wildfires and reducing carbon emissions.

Fernandes suggested that funding could potentially be sourced from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), arguing that if funds are used to reduce emissions in the transport sector, they should also support civil protection and environmental initiatives. This proposal comes as EU member states debate the next multi-year budget, with some nations calling for reductions in traditional spending areas like agriculture and cohesion policy.

EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christof Hansen noted the need for increased measures to prepare farms for future droughts, including ensuring adequate water supplies for both irrigation and firefighting.