The bad weather last week caused losses of “thousands of euros” on farms, especially in Valpaços, Mirandela and Macedo de Cavaleiros, and farmers demanded public agricultural insurance.
“The losses amount to thousands of euros and in some productions and farms they are of the order of 70% to 90%,” stated the National Confederation of Agriculture (CNA), in response to Lusa, pointing out that the survey is carried out until December 30. September.
Valpaços (Vila Real), Mirandela (Bragança) and Macedo de Cavaleiros (Bragança) were the most affected crops, but damage was also observed in neighboring municipalities.
The bad weather affected crops in the harvest phase and others yet to be harvested, especially vineyards, olive trees, almond trees, as well as other fruit trees and family orchards.
According to CNA, the storm threw most of the olives to the ground, “ruining almost all production,” leaving olive oil producers “in a dramatic situation“, taking into account that last year the harvest had been low, due to factors such as drought.
Even the announced increases in the price of olive oil in production will be insufficient to compensate for the losses in terms of quality produced,” he stressed.
Farmers also warned about the limitations found in the electronic platform. which allows losses to be recorded, pointing out that, to date, there are no guarantees from the Ministry of Agriculture in terms of support for the sector.
In addition to the measures announced to restore productive potential, subject to requests via PDR 2020 [Programa de Desenvolvimento Rural]and that, in addition to not being open yet, they have been slow to reach producers in other similar situations, it is important to implement lost fund aid due to loss of income, to compensate for the losses,” he defended.
The confederation recalled that farmers are very fragile in financial terms, facing problems such as drought or increased production costs, so they need support “urgent and effective” to continue producing.
On the other hand, the CNA said that the implementation of Public Agricultural Insurance is essential, “adapted to the reality of production and family farming, since the existing ones are not suitable for the majority of farmers“.
Source: Observadora
