# Quercus opposition to citrus project in Portugal > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/quercus-opposition-to-citrus-project-in-portugal > Updated: 2026-09-05T09:35:14.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The environmental association Quercus has announced plans to 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, received a conditional Environmental Impact Statement from CCDR-Alentejo. Quercus argues the decision disregards a public consultation in which 99.2% of participants opposed the project. The association claims the intensive farming model threatens local biodiversity and aquifer sustainability in a region experiencing severe water stress. The project involves converting 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 laws protecting the Comporta-Galé Special Area of Conservation, Quercus is considering a precautionary injunction in Portuguese administrative courts to suspend the environmental authorization and halt on-site works. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Quercus warns Madeira of food insecurity risks from golf expansion The Quercus environmental association warns that Madeira's reliance on imported food leaves it vulnerable to global crises, urging the protection of agricultural land over golf and real estate development. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quercus-warns-madeira-of-food-insecurity-risks-from-golf-expansion ### 2026-08-14: Quercus challenges citrus project approval in Alcácer do Sal Quercus is filing a complaint with the European Commission and considering legal action to block an intensive citrus farming project in Alcácer do Sal, citing risks to water resources and biodiversity. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quercus-challenges-citrus-project-approval-in-alccer-do-sal --- Cite as: Quercus opposition to citrus project in Portugal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/quercus-opposition-to-citrus-project-in-portugal