The association led by Jorge Rita announced today that food supplies will be delivered to the farmers in the municipality of Trancoso, in the district of Guarda.
The donation will be routed through Spain and directed to the most affected areas, in coordination with the Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP), ensuring rapid assistance to those most in need.
The initiative by Azorean farmers from São Miguel aims to directly support farmers facing severe difficulties due to the loss of pastures, food, and livestock support structures, exacerbated by the devastation of the fires.
“This is a noble and supportive gesture that seeks to address the immediate difficulties faced by our fellow mainland farmers,” stated Jorge Rita in the release.
The destruction caused by the fires, according to the leader, demands unity and mutual aid during this challenging time.
Through this action, the Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, based in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, reaffirms its commitment to solidarity, mutual aid, and the defense of agriculture, highlighting the importance of a united sector in the face of adversity.
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple large-scale rural fires since July, particularly in the northern and central regions.
The fires have resulted in four fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some severe. They have also completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock holdings and forest areas.
According to provisional data from the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), around 250,000 hectares have burned in the country to date.
