During the second-day visit of members from the Assembly of the Republic, meetings were held with the Madeiran Farmers Association and Coopescamadeira – Fishing Cooperative of the Madeira Archipelago.
João Ferreira, President of the Association of Farmers, wanted further clarification on the Land Law, which although is not in force in Madeira, has already been published in the national territory. Specifically, he warned that many foreigners are acquiring land to build houses without knowing if the land they’ve bought can be used for urban construction.
“If at the moment we have 4,600 hectares of agricultural area, which is continually decreasing. What happens if there is an escalation of international conflict and Madeira is deprived of a regular boat and air service? How will the island survive?”
The official also pointed out that young people are not very interested in agriculture, and because it is difficult to acquire land, and given the demand for real estate, prices of land have gone through the roof and are no longer affordable to those who would like to create their own micro-farms.”
The reality of agriculture in the Madeira “has nothing to do with the reality of the mainland,” so João Ferreira considers it important that national deputies know the reality on the ground.
Jacinto Silva, responsible for the Madeira Fishing Cooperative, defended greater articulation between Portugal and the European Union, in order to join forces on the issue of the tuna quota tuna and the necessary modernisation of the black scabbardfish fleet.
“The black scabbardfish boats are aging and fishermen need answers… young people aren’t interested. This year, as far as the tuna quota is concerned, the associations of Madeira and the Azores met several times, articulated a plan, and published it in an ordinance. Concluding he said they hoped they had more time to fish.”
While talking to the national parliamentarians, the shipowner’s spokesperson was also concerned about the lack of labour in the sector. “We have a very serious problem. To give you an idea, go stay in the Port of Caniçal, by my count, there are 7 or 8 trawlers. There are no masters, no foremen, and not enough people to put the boats to sea.”
Jacinto Silva further pointed out that the collapse of the Regional Government has affected Coopesca’s training and recruitment efforts.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com