Portuguese farmers are losing competitiveness against their Spanish counterparts due to the price of agricultural diesel, which costs more than 20 cents per litre more than in Spain. The warning was issued by Idalino Leão, president of Agros, during AgroSemana, which kicked off on Thursday in Póvoa de Varzim. According to the official, this difference represents a significant cost throughout the year that harms national producers.
AgroSemana runs until Sunday at Espaço Agros and features around 230 exhibitors, expecting to receive at least 85,000 visitors. The event focuses on technology, precision agriculture, and sustainable production, bringing together machinery, new technologies, and innovative solutions for the agri-food sector.
Idalino Leão also expressed concern about the recognition of the agricultural sector, arguing that it should be considered strategic for the food sovereignty of Portugal and Europe. The official acknowledged the proximity of the Minister of Agriculture, José Manuel Fernandes, to the sector, but raised doubts about whether this vision is shared across the entire Executive, particularly by the Ministry of Finance, regarding competitiveness conditions.
