Portuguese agricultural groups demand urgent state aid amid rising costs

Agricultural organizations in Portugal are calling for urgent government intervention to address a growing crisis driven by rising production costs. The National Confederation of Agriculture (CNA) has criticized current government support, arguing that announced aid packages do not reflect the actual financial difficulties faced by farmers. Specifically, the CNA noted that agricultural diesel is approximately 60 cents more expensive per liter, while government support covers only 10 cents and is paid as a reimbursement after the expense is incurred.

Furthermore, the CNA highlighted that fertilizer costs have increased by over 40%, with Portuguese support levels trailing behind those in Spain. The organization also cited delays in compensation for farmers affected by extreme weather events earlier this year.

In a parallel move, the National Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives and Agricultural Credit (Confagri) is seeking urgent audiences with the President and the Prime Minister. Confagri warns that volatility in fuel and fertilizer prices threatens the viability of many companies and national food security. The organization emphasizes that the situation is no longer just a sectoral issue but a matter of national competitiveness and territorial cohesion. While the Ministry of Agriculture recently announced a 40 million euro package to assist with energy and fertilizer costs, industry leaders maintain that more decisive political action is required to prevent irreversible damage.