The Chega party has urged the PSD/CDS government to provide a “firm and effective response” to combat the theft of crops, copper, fuel, livestock, and agricultural machinery.
Led by André Ventura, the party highlights that such crimes significantly impact regions like Alentejo, Ribatejo, and Algarve.
“These crimes often cause damage that far exceeds the value of the stolen goods, threatening the sustainability of national agricultural activity,” the statement warns.
Chega advocates for “enhanced monitoring among vendors of agricultural products, metals, and machinery through a coordinated action involving GNR, ASAE, and the Tax Authority.”
The proposal also includes “mandatory electronic identification of animals, digitalization of the reporting process, development of cork traceability technologies, and the creation of incentives for installing video surveillance and security gates.”
“These measures aim not only to prevent crimes but also to ensure accountability of perpetrators and effective protection of agricultural properties. Chega also deems it urgent to revise the legal-penal framework, with harsher penalties for agricultural crimes and recognizing the destruction of cork oaks as an environmental crime,” the statement adds.
