Quercus challenges citrus project approval in Alcácer do Sal

The environmental association Quercus has announced it will file a formal complaint with the European Commission regarding the approval of an intensive citrus production project in Alcácer do Sal, Portugal. The project, promoted by the Aquaterra/Expoente Frugal group at the Murta and Monte Novo estates, received a conditional Environmental Impact Statement (DIA) from CCDR-Alentejo on August 3.

Quercus argues that the decision ignores the results of a public consultation process where 99.2% of participants expressed opposition to the project. The association claims the intensive farming model is highly water-intensive and poses a significant threat to local biodiversity and the sustainability of aquifers in a region already facing severe water stress. The project involves the conversion of nearly 300 hectares of Natura 2000 protected land for tangerine production.

In addition to the complaint to Brussels regarding potential non-compliance with European Union law to safeguard the Comporta-Galé Special Area of Conservation (ZEC), Quercus is considering filing a precautionary injunction in Portuguese administrative courts to immediately suspend the environmental authorization and halt any on-site works.