Quercus warns Madeira of food insecurity risks from golf expansion

The Quercus regional branch in Madeira has issued a warning regarding the archipelago's excessive dependence on external food supplies. The environmental association argues that Madeira is highly vulnerable to potential global food crises driven by climate change, international conflicts, and declining yields of essential crops like wheat, corn, and soy.

Quercus is calling for the protection of agricultural land and water resources, criticizing what it describes as an “irrational bet” on golf and real estate development. The group specifically highlighted the destruction of agricultural land in Ponta do Pargo for a golf course and questioned plans for new courses in Faial and Porto Santo.

To increase regional resilience and autonomy, the association is urging the regional government to implement assertive policies that prioritize local food production and safeguard strategic natural resources against the pressures of luxury tourism and real estate expansion.