Serpa farmers protest rising fuel costs and production pressures

Approximately 50 farmers from the Serpa municipality in the Beja district held a protest against what they describe as “impracticable conditions” within the agricultural sector. The demonstration, organized by the Association of Producers of the Serpa Municipality (APROSERPA), focused on the high cost of fuel, specifically agricultural diesel, which has exceeded 1.80 euros per liter.

Protesters warned that rising production costs are threatening autumn/winter sowing and the olive harvest. Local farmers reported that the cost of harvesting olives is becoming economically unviable compared to current olive oil prices. Some producers indicated they may reduce their cultivated areas by up to 30% or leave olives on the trees because the service costs outweigh the potential returns.

APROSERPA President João Revez stated that government support remains insufficient to address the crisis facing dryland farming in the region.