The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the difficulties and the state of the services it inherited and stated it is working to resolve these challenges.
However, it noted that the transition between the Rural Development Program (PDR) 2020 and the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (PEPAC) is ensured.
In this regard, it assured the fulfillment of the commitments made by the State with the beneficiaries concerning the approval of applications to the PDR 2020.
Regarding the Single Application (PU), the government recognized the process as complex and lengthy, but said its simplification is a ministry objective.
“Our priority is to simplify, reduce bureaucracy, speed up decisions and be closer to farmers. Much work has already been done, but we know there is much to do,” it stated.
The Portuguese Farmers’ Confederation (CAP) requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and the Sea on Thursday to address the “blatant inability” of technical, operational, and financial management of the PDR and the Single Application.
The farmers are also calling for immediate administrative policies to address the “constraints and difficulties,” criticizing the poor operational state of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Sea, and the management incapacity of some of its officials, without specifying.
CAP stated in a communiqué that the effects “of this poor management” have caused negative repercussions for farmers primarily, but also for taxpayers in general.
As for PDR 2020, the confederation led by Álvaro Mendonça and Moura stated that over 255 million euros are committed for this year, yet according to information provided by the management authority of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (PEPAC), “there is no money available to honor them.”
Furthermore, it argued that project financing cannot involve credit line creation and that payments must be made on time, with the State assuming any charges due to its “management incapacity.”
Regarding PU 2025, CAP pointed out that it was marred by an “incomprehensible succession of blunders, high opacity, and a notable incapacity to manage procedures.”
