The increase in agricultural diesel prices since March already represents a cost burden of approximately 60 million euros for the Portuguese agricultural sector, but it is fertilizers that are generating the greatest concern among farmers. The energy crisis has once again pressured fertilizer prices, significantly increasing production costs.
The call for support comes from Luís Mira, Secretary-General of the Confederation of Farmers of Portugal (CAP), who argues that the Portuguese Government should make available between 170 and 200 million euros in support to restore competitive conditions relative to Spain. According to the figures provided by the representative, Spain has made available approximately 1,100 million euros in support for fertilizers, while Portugal has allocated only 26 million euros, a difference representing support approximately 40 times greater on the Spanish side.
The CAP representative considers that the escalation of energy costs is creating a growing disadvantage for Portuguese agriculture, warning that national farmers are placed at a disadvantage when trying to sell their products in the domestic market, since Spanish producers are able to reach Portugal with lower costs. Mira also criticizes that Spain is structurally working on a situation that gives it greater competitive capacity, while Portugal does not take similar measures.
The Government is preparing a reinforcement of support for agricultural diesel, through a cost subsidy, with the aim of reducing the burden on farmers. According to the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, the measure could simultaneously benefit farmers and consumers, by helping to contain pressure on agricultural product prices and the cost of living for families.
