Many Portuguese agricultural sectors, particularly those aimed at exports, are reportedly threatening the ecological balance and relying heavily on exploited Asian labor, according to former Agriculture Minister António Barreto in a recent interview.
“Portugal has significantly diminished its agricultural and food self-sufficiency. Much of its agriculture is now export-driven, focusing on fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and avocados, which disrupt both ecological and social equilibria,” said Antônio Barreto.
The former minister noted that agricultural labor primarily involves Asian workers who face “terrible conditions of over-exploitation, poor living conditions, and inadequate social situations.”
Barreto associates this situation with unregulated illegal immigration.
The sociologist foresees continued pressure on the sector as the type of agriculture practiced, such as greenhouse farming, demands cheap labor.
“It’s crucial to investigate the working and living conditions of these laborers. Moreover, urban living conditions in cities like Lisbon, Porto, or Setúbal reveal numerous overcrowded apartments. All these require legal regulation and care to protect immigrant rights,” he emphasized.
Half a century after agrarian reform, the agricultural world now faces a “real problem” concerning the development of social peace.
There is a significant labor shortage as many have abandoned farms, and landowners prefer ventures in tourism, including agro-tourism and wine tourism.
Agricultural practices have become highly technological, and regions like the Alentejo are dominated by extensive olive groves believed to be “an erroneous solution.”
Barreto, who contributed to the 1977 law regulating agrarian reform, allowing property restitution and compensation, criticized national policy priorities that favor industry and tourism over agriculture.
“Millions were spent on reforming farmers, encouraging them to leave agriculture quickly,” he stated.
The abandonment of rural lands is a natural outcome of societal evolution, but it also reflects “political neglect and indifference.”
Additionally, many fires result from this rural abandonment, though mortality rates have been lower.
“The fields are empty. People have left agriculture,” Barreto noted.
By August 19, over 201,000 hectares were burned in Portugal, surpassing the entire burned area of 2024.
