Luís Montenegro's Campaign Lunch with Farmers: Calls for Simplifying Agricultural Regulations

After the Radio Debate: A Lunch with Farmers from the West

Following a busy day filled with radio debates, AD candidate Luís Montenegro took a moment to relax with local farmers from the West region over lunch. He described the farmers as "very friendly" despite his hectic electoral schedule.

The lunch featured a variety of wines, including a light white and a modern rosé, followed by a moscatel and a selected red wine from the Mundus brand. However, Montenegro barely tasted the red wine due to his packed agenda.

The Wine Experience

As explained by Nuno Galvão, the winemaker at Adega Cooperativa da Vermelha, the wine served was low in alcohol, fresh, fruity, and slightly carbonated, making it perfect for casual gatherings. The vineyard's proximity to the Atlantic and its cool, dewy mornings contribute to these characteristics.

Addressing Farmers' Concerns

During the lunch, farmers raised several issues, including the need for support, unfair competition from low-priced imports, and the bureaucratic challenges they face. One farmer lamented, "There are too many agencies and redundancies, leading to wasted time and money instead of investing in production."

Dina Martins from the ACRO highlighted the difficulties in legalizing farming activities, stating that many long-time farmers struggle to obtain licenses due to stringent regulations.

Paulo Renato Silva, representing Agricultural Producers, called for a modernization of the Ministry of Agriculture to increase productivity and efficiency. Montenegro acknowledged the farmers' requests for simplification, admitting that "a lot needs to be simplified."

Trade Relations and Environmental Concerns

In a brief address, Montenegro touched on Portugal's food deficit, which has decreased from €5 billion to €4.4 billion over the past year. He emphasized the importance of self-sustainability and criticized the disinvestment in agriculture.

He also defended the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, asserting that it would ensure reciprocity in environmental and sanitary regulations. Raquel Carvalho, a winemaker, raised concerns about the significant drop in grape prices due to illegal imports from Spain, urging for stricter enforcement of laws.

Montenegro assured the farmers that he noted their concerns before heading to Castelo Branco and Guarda for further campaign activities, where he might finally enjoy a glass of wine.