José Manuel Fernandes - "Portugal's agriculture is increasingly modern and competitive."

He holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering but also studied Law. He has held various positions throughout his professional and political career, including professor, Speaker of the House, and Member of the European Parliament. Currently serving as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes offers us a glimpse into a conversation where he reveals himself to be a man of reading, writing, and passions such as cooking and the concertina.

How is this new challenge as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries?
It's a new mission that I take on with determination and the utmost commitment and dedication I can muster. We are rebuilding a Ministry that had been dismantled and valuing these sectors that are crucial to our economy and territorial cohesion.

In a context of globalization, artificial intelligence and so many social and economic changes, what role does agriculture play in Portugal today?
Portugal's agriculture sector is increasingly modern and competitive. Artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet, and cutting-edge precision agriculture are increasingly prevalent. In Portugal, the words "agriculture" and "fishing" signify competitiveness, territorial cohesion, sustainability, gastronomy, tourism, heritage, research, and industry. It is essential to be aware of this cross-cutting dimension. Direct employment in the agroforestry and fishing complex represents approximately 9.1% of total employment in the economy and accounts for approximately 5.2% of GDP.

"The average age of our farmers is over 64. We need to rejuvenate this sector."

Do you think that farmers are still seen as low-status professionals, or is there a new qualification in the agricultural sector today?
One of our goals is to showcase the evolution and innovation of the agricultural sector, which demands increasingly higher qualifications. Unfortunately, certain narratives promoted by green radicals have attempted to label farmers as villains and evildoers, when in fact, they are among the most vocal advocates for environmental sustainability.

Is the State concerned about attracting young farmers?
The average age of our farmers is over 64. We need to rejuvenate this sector. Therefore, we've doubled our support for young farmers, specifically young farmers working exclusively.

There are over 259,000 farms in Portugal, but large farms, representing about 3.6%, generate 60% of the value of production. Are we neglecting small producers?
I don't believe there is any marginalization. It's natural that larger farms, both in terms of area and production, contribute more to market value and to the important mission of supplying food, both in quantity and quality. However, there is growing recognition of the importance of family farming and short marketing channels, such as local markets and specialized products. We must also value the socio-territorial role and the promotion of cultural values ​​at the local and regional levels. Our incentive programs within PEPAC recognize this reality.

What needs to change in the agroeconomic sector? What are the government's objectives?
The agroeconomic sector needs greater efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. Some of the key changes needed include higher income for farmers, access to investment financing with more favorable conditions; [...] the modernization of agricultural infrastructure; and [...] the promotion of internationalization, encouraging the export of Portuguese agricultural products.

And from an environmental perspective? Do we have the right resources and conditions for sustainable agriculture?
Portugal has excellent conditions for sustainable agriculture. Indeed, we can consider Portuguese agriculture to be, in general, extensive, with more than 50% of the agricultural area used for pasture. However, it faces challenges such as water scarcity and soil erosion. A central issue is water. We cannot let all the water "escape" into the sea. We are moving forward with the "Water that Unites" initiative, which aims to define an interconnected network for efficient water storage, management, and distribution for agriculture and human consumption. This initiative will restore the ecological flows of our rivers and will include investments to prevent flooding. Another structuring initiative is the National Forest Pact, which takes into account its economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

In the European context, with very positive examples such as the Nordic countries, can we consider that Portugal has too many forests and too few vegetable gardens?
Agricultural land in Portugal is, in relative terms, larger than that of the Nordic countries […]. Forests and the forestry industry in Portugal are very important to the national economy, representing 4.1% of exports. These results should not obscure the risks associated with significant areas of our territory that are repeatedly plagued by the impacts of fires. Portugal has a high forest cover, but it is not always well managed. The main issue is related to climate risks and also the lack of income that, in many cases, is derived from forestry operations. The government will soon present a National Forest Pact.

Portugal is considered a luxury destination and has therefore been making inroads into new markets and businesses, particularly in gourmet products. What distinguishes our products and our brand?
We have high-quality products, excellent infrastructure, a pleasant climate—that Atlantic breeze—welcoming people, and a safe country. Our gourmet products boast unique flavors and carry the tradition and knowledge passed down and accumulated from generation to generation.

"I like mowing the lawn, but I haven't yet dedicated myself to the vegetable garden."

The pursuit of well-living is also associated with good nutrition and, therefore, organic products. Do you believe that, for this reason, the perception of agriculture is also changing?
The EU has environmental regulations and high food safety standards. Moderation is essential. I advocate the Mediterranean diet, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, which includes moderate consumption of wine and olive oil. Moderation is key.

He's a northerner, and the north eats particularly well. Do you pay attention to your diet? To what extent does this new connection to agriculture change your habits or perspectives?
My favorite dish is arroz de pica no chão (arroz de pica no chão). I haven't changed my preferences. Now that I'm a minister, I don't always have time for lunch, and I realize that maybe that's worse for me than eating...

What do you like to do in your free time? May we ask if the Minister of Agriculture has a vegetable garden?
I love cooking. My next lesson will be learning how to prepare and roast suckling pig in a wood-fired oven. I'd love to play soccer, but to get back into it, I have to lose a few pounds. At sea, spearfishing was another passion, which I haven't done in a few years. I enjoy reading and writing, and playing the accordion. I'd like to play the organ and saxophone again. I enjoy mowing the lawn, but I haven't yet dedicated myself to the garden.

In your personal context, what does it mean to live well?
I live well if I have health and freedom and if my wife, children and family are happy.

Text: Carla Martins
Photos: All Rights Reserved