Portugal's Golden Visa program, once criticized for exacerbating housing affordability issues, is now evolving into a beacon of hope through sustainable agriculture investments. In response to growing concerns, the Portuguese government eliminated real estate from the Golden Visa criteria in 2023, steering investors towards low-risk opportunities in agriculture.
A Shift Towards Sustainability
The focus on real estate was believed to inflate property prices, making housing unaffordable for locals. However, this shift has unveiled a promising avenue for investors: sustainable agriculture. This sector is particularly attractive as it offers stable investments secured by durable agricultural assets, which have proven resilient during economic downturns like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pela Terra, a pioneering fund, is leading the charge in regenerative agriculture by investing in olive and almond farms in Portugal's Alentejo region. The fund not only provides financial returns but also fosters job creation and environmental sustainability.
Government Support for Eco-Friendly Practices
Portugal is positioning itself as a leader in eco-conscious investing, with €4.2 billion allocated to the National Strategic Plan for agricultural policies from 2023 to 2027. A significant portion of this funding is directed towards environmentally-friendly practices, which include precision farming and agroforestry.
Additionally, the National Irrigation Plan is set to invest €600 million to modernize irrigation infrastructure, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and water shortages.
Pela Terra's Impact
Pela Terra has already made waves in the investment community, with its first Farmland Fund attracting €33.5 million in investments, leading to the launch of a second fund targeting €100 million by November 2025. Investors can expect a 7% annual return, showcasing the fund's commitment to profitability alongside sustainability.
A New Era for Golden Visa Investors
Investing through Pela Terra not only promises capital protection but also aligns with the values of a new generation of investors. As Alex Lawry-White, Co-Founder of Pela Terra, emphasizes, this approach supports the local economy and addresses the brain drain in rural areas of Portugal. The Golden Visa program, when utilized effectively, can channel foreign investments into developing skills and technology in under-invested regions.
As the proverb goes, “He who plants a tree, plants a future.” With Pela Terra, Golden Visa investors can cultivate a greener tomorrow while securing their European residency today. The path to sustainable investment has never been clearer.
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