Country Information
Portugal
Management of Rural Development
Rural Development policy in Portugal is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries for Mainland Portugal, the Regional Directorate of Community Affairs in the field of Agriculture (DRACA) for Azores and the Regional Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SRA) for Madeira. One National Strategy Plan (NSP) and three separate Rural Development Programmes (RDPs), for Portugal Mainland, Azores and Madeira, have been developed.
The Portuguese model of sustainable rural development aims to strengthen the multifunctional agro-forestry sector through a three-fold approach: firstly economic, through the enhancement of marketable goods; secondly environmental, by developing services and sustainable management of resources; and thirdly strengthening territories by improving the governance of local communities and their related activities.
For further information about the Portuguese regions and their individual rural development programmes access the links below:
Summary of rural development policy objectives
The Portuguese RDPs have adopted the following overall objectives, chosen in accordance with the Community Strategic Guidelines (CSG) and the National Strategy Plan (NSP):
- improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector;
- promoting sustainable management of rural areas and natural resources;
- promoting economic diversification and employment in rural areas;
- strengthening territorial and social cohesion;
- promoting the efficiency of public, private and associative intervention in territorial management;
- improving and maintenance of the countryside, culture and heritage.
Relevant documents
- National Strategy Plan (NSP)
- Rural Development Programme Mainland Portugal
- Rural Development Programme Azores
- Rural Development Programme Madeira
- Rural Development programme summary: to see the detailed RDP fiches for each programme please click here.
- Climate Change Country Profile: to see the specific report click here.
Relevant organisations
- National Authority GPP
- Managing Authority RDP Mainland Portugal
- Managing Authority RDP Azores DRACA
- Managing Authority RDP Madeira SRA
- Paying Agency: Finance Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries
- National Rural Network (NRN):
- Local Action Groups
- Other relevant organisations: General Inspector of Finances