Days before the start of the next National Agricultural Fair in Santarém, the largest of its kind in Portugal, the organization reaffirms its intention not to invite any member of the government, as happened recently in Ovibej. Agriculture Minister Maria do Seu Antunes, who did not go to Ovibeja, is one of the targets of the farmers’ discontent. “If a minister decides to come, she pays for her ticket and attends the fair like any other citizen,” says Luis Mira, general secretary of the Portuguese Confederation of Agriculture. The ticket costs 8 euros.
“The Minister of Agriculture demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge about the reality of the sector. Farmers carried out the largest mobilization ever from the north to the south of the country, but the policy has not changed. €1,200 million from the 2014-2022 program has yet to be realized. This policy does not serve Portuguese agriculture. We are discriminated against against the Spaniards and the French. For example, in connection with the drought, the respective governments have already submitted measures. Portugal will ask for help, but it is not known what kind, ”he emphasizes.
The National Agricultural Fair takes place from 3 to 11 June and will be opened by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Author: Rogerio Chambel
Source: CM Jornal
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