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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.

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