Agriculture minister orders review of state land for young farmers

Agriculture and Sea Minister José Manuel Fernandes told MPs during hearings on the 2027 State Budget that the government is studying whether state-owned land with farming potential can be made available to young farmers. The regional development commissions (CCDR) have already been asked, through their vice-presidents, to identify suitable plots. The minister acknowledged he will have to deal with obstacles and state inefficiency along the way, saying the state helps simply by not getting in the way. He gave no further details. The final vote on the 2027 Budget is scheduled for 24 November.