President Rebelo de Sousa urges farmers to unite against worsening climate-driven storms

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has praised the resilience of Portuguese farmers, urging them not to face the challenges of 2026 alone as they grapple with the devastating impact of relentless storms. Speaking in Santarém on Saturday, the President highlighted the sector’s struggles while meeting with the president of the Confederação dos Agricultores Portugueses (CAP), who described the year as particularly difficult due to extreme weather conditions.

The President’s remarks, delivered during a visit to the region, underscored the financial and emotional toll on farmers whose crops and livelihoods have been repeatedly battered by storms. “Being a farmer is not easy,” Rebelo de Sousa said, acknowledging both the courage and investment capacity of those in the sector. His call for solidarity comes as the agricultural community faces mounting pressure from climate-related disasters that have disrupted planting seasons and damaged infrastructure across Portugal.

The CAP president, whose organization represents the interests of Portuguese farmers, warned that the cumulative effect of recent storms has left many producers in a precarious position. “This year has been exceptionally hard,” the CAP leader told reporters, pointing to widespread crop losses and delayed harvests that threaten the viability of small and medium-sized farms. The storms, which have struck with unusual frequency and intensity, have compounded existing challenges such as rising input costs and market volatility.

The President’s visit coincided with efforts to address another crisis: a wildfire in Aljustrel, Beja, which was reported as “practically under control” by late Saturday evening. While the fire’s containment offers some relief, the broader agricultural sector remains on high alert as the summer season approaches, raising concerns about further extreme weather events.

Farmers’ associations have called for stronger government support, including emergency funding and risk mitigation measures, to help the sector recover. The CAP has also reiterated its appeal for collective action, stressing that isolated farmers are more vulnerable to economic shocks. “No one should have to face these challenges alone,” Rebelo de Sousa said, echoing the CAP’s message of unity within the agricultural community.

As Portugal’s farmers navigate an increasingly unpredictable climate, the President’s words serve as both recognition of their struggles and a reminder of the need for coordinated support. With the agricultural sector at a critical juncture, the coming months will test the resilience of both the land and those who depend on it.