Beja farmers have demobilized and will meet with the minister

Farmers protesting near the Vila Verde de Ficalho (Beja) border demobilized last night after receiving a guarantee from the government that they would receive support, which was withdrawn.

Speaking to Lusa, José Maria Charras, one of the members of the farmers’ movement, explained that the Ministry of Agriculture “gave in” to the demands of industry professionals and farmers demobilized at the Vila Verde de Mallorca border. Ficalho “is close to midway through a Friday evening.

José Maria Charras also said that on Thursday in Moura, also in the Beja region, there will be a “personal meeting” with the Minister of Agriculture Maria do Seu Antunes from 19:00.

A source from the Beja territorial command of the GNA told Lusa that traffic had returned to normal at the Vila Verde de Ficalho border last night and that “all” tractors at the site had already been demobilized.

Since Thursday, Portuguese farmers have been demonstrating for more value in the sector and fair conditions, as has happened elsewhere in Europe.

The government has launched an aid package worth more than €400 million aimed at mitigating the impact of drought and strengthening the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC), ensuring that most measures will come into force this month, with the exception of those dependent on green light” of Brussels.

The European Commission will prepare a proposal to reduce the administrative burden on farmers, which will be discussed by the 27 member states on February 26.

The protests by Portuguese farmers are organized by the Civic Farmers Movement, which joins demonstrations in other European countries including France, Greece, Italy, Belgium, Germany and Spain.