The chestnut sector in Portugal faces difficulties that require a change in current production models, according to Alcino Pires, president of the Portuguese Chestnut Association (Refcast). The responsible party points out that all crops associated with mountain regions have specific problems that have been worsening in recent years, mainly due to climate change.
The departure of young people from production areas is identified as one of the main problems in the sector. Alcino Pires argues that it is necessary to rethink the way chestnuts are produced, since it is an extensive crop where the chestnut grove has been allowed to grow almost naturally.
Mechanization emerges as one of the main responses to reduce dependence on labor and make the activity more efficient. The president of Refcast states that modernization will increase productivity, improve farmers' income, and facilitate the activity of agro-industries.
