After two years of hardships due to the pandemic, which closed the doors of many markets and made prospecting for international fairs unfeasible, the agri-food sector was preparing for a reinvention when another crisis knocked on the door. At this time, growers are struggling with the effects of an extreme drought, which could leave the country without apples and pears, and with an increase in the cost of production factors that is putting many in “enormous difficulties” and at risk of bankruptcy.
So says Gonçalo Santos Andrade, president of Portugal Fresh, the Association for the Promotion of Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers in Portugal. Created in 2010 by several companies in the sector, with the aim of “selling” the Portugal brand at international fairs and events and increasing exports, Portugal Fresh today has more than 80 associated companies representing more than 4,500 national producers, in addition to also bring together 17 associations of producers in the subsector.
In an interview with Observer, the leader of the association appeals to the Government for more investments in water efficiency and points the finger at industry and distribution, where “solidarity” towards producers is lacking.
We are in the discussion phase of the General State Budget for 2023. Does the proposal presented by the Government respond to the concerns of the agri-food sector?
The agri-food sector has been one of the most reliable economic engines of the European Union. Two and a half years have passed since the start of the pandemic, we have had an extreme drought, a war that we want to end quickly but that is prolonged, and we have a difficult context. But we cannot forget that this sector never stopped. In view of the Budget initially presented, important steps were taken and we value every penny allocated to the sector.
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Source: Observadora
