Agriculture minister backs shepherds over wolf losses and promises faster compensation

Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes told a pastoralism forum in Arcos de Valdevez that shepherds are right about the damage Iberian wolves do to flocks, and that the government is working to make up for it. Compensation payments have been tripled, but he stressed they only matter if paid on time. The Environment Minister has given the nature conservation institute, ICNF, 30 days to assess further measures, including support for the wolf's natural prey, fencing and guard dogs, adapted to each region. Farmers at the event called for the wolves' removal, while their association says it still trusts the Agriculture Minister but no longer the Environment Minister.