Portuguese Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes is advocating for the inclusion of livestock grazing initiatives in the upcoming long-term European Union budget. The proposal suggests utilizing goats, sheep, and cows to clear flammable shrubs in regions susceptible to wildfires. Fernandes argues that this natural, low-tech strategy serves a broader European interest by mitigating fire risks and reducing carbon emissions. Currently, Portugal and parts of Spain are financing similar programs using domestic resources. During a ministerial meeting in Dublin, the minister emphasized that these preventative measures provide benefits beyond national borders. As discussions regarding the next EU budget intensify, Portugal is pushing for financial support for these pastoral practices, positioning them as a vital component of environmental protection strategies amidst ongoing concerns over droughts and seasonal fire threats.
Source : Politico Europe
