The challenges of the generation of greater sustainability in agriculture in Portugal require the incorporation of greater knowledge and sciences, a re -implementation of traditional agricultural practices and an adaptation by intensive agriculture. In Portugal, family agriculture and the growth of urban and suburban gardens represent a sustainable and innovative opportunity and can contribute to the development and consolidation of the supply and maintenance of biodiversity in rural areas and also their promotion in the urban and surrounding environment.
By João Costa *
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Common agricultural policy (PAC) underlined the need to balance competitiveness, innovation and sustainability. Three of the ten goals of PAC are directly related to the environment, highlighting the fight against climate change, protection of the environment and the conservation of the landscape and biodiversity. In line with these guidelines, family agriculture and urban gardens in Portugal will be able to emerge as a practicable solution for local food production, guaranteeing quality standards and social justice for small farmers and urban horticulture, if they can generate regular demand for the consumption of excess family members, to be borne by the distribution market, with a little distribution, with a little distribution shorts. Local citizens as another privileged destination, reducing dependence on complex logistics chains, giving a strong contribution to national food sovereignty and minimizing carbon imprint because they reduce food transport for long distances.
In Lisbon, for example, it is estimated that there are more than 3,000 installments of community gardens, in which residents produce fresh food for their consumption and, in some cases, for direct sale in local markets. This model approaches producers and consumers, reducing waste and encouraging the consumption of fresh seasonal and proximity products.
In addition, family and urban agriculture is a pillar of sustainable development, with a low environmental impact and a strong role in the conservation of biodiversity. The diversity of crops in small gardens not only improves pollination and fertility of the soil, but also creates unique, more green and aesthetically pleasant landscapes. In a less one, the combination of lettuies, carrots, tuns, clover and cellar demonstrates the harmony between species that benefit each other, promoting a balanced ecosystem.
Sustainable tourism also intersects with the appreciation of the gardens. There is the opportunity to consume these products in local restaurants and for agricultural tourist projects to attract visitors interested in knowing these authentic outdoor museums, ancestral cultural practices and vegetable material, unique, practically processed with human work, external, ecological gyms and can in many cases alternative to visit, collection of work and learning compost, permaculture, etc. Tourist’s immersion experience in local production creates prestige for the horticulturist and his family, strengthens awareness of sustainability and encourages healthiest food habits.
However, despite the obvious benefits, family agriculture must face significant challenges. Access to adequate land, the regulation of agricultural practices and their associated bureaucracy together with the lack of financial incentives for their micropolle are barriers that need political and structural solutions. The implementation of municipal policies in support of family agriculture can translate into the following forms: Land Bank; Financial support for production and marketing micro -information; Technical services, free bureaucratic and bureaucratic services; Logistical support in the preparation of products for the market and supporting the organization of their marketing; Adaptation of expenses to provide school canteens; Support in obtaining activity licenses; etc.
These tools are strong levers of the municipal public policies to accelerate the expansion of this sustainable model, without forgetting the importance, after almost municipal elections, the appointment of the councilors with agriculture Pelro. Therefore, many more opportunities would be added to the dietary identity of each region and improve the sustainable agricultural practices adapted to the territory.
The integration of family and urban agriculture in the school curricula also represents an educational, formative and pertinent opportunity for the environment. Teaching children and young people sustainable food production, composting and cultural biodiversity strengthen the commitment to a green future. Currently, some Portuguese schools already organize visits to bio -family farmers and have pedagogical gardens, promoting practical learning and encouraging the consumption of healthier local foods.
Only Rich in Organic, fertile Matter, USING Extensive Agricultural Practices of Family and Urban Farming, Generates Fresh Foods Nutritionally, with More Nutrients and Higher Concentration of These, Combined with a Greater Diversity of Species and Varieties, Will Put Many Families With Weak Financial Resources, Without Any additional effort, to have the food to be weighing less in the mons nourishus, and sustain. It can be aid to the placement of excellent in local markets, so that others Who cannot plant it have quality time products without any impact on transportation.
Family and urban agriculture, combined with short distribution circuits, shows that it is possible to produce food in a sustainable way, reduce environmental impacts and strengthen local economies. With the support of adequate public policies and the active participation of the company, this type of agriculture can transform rural and non -rural space into more resilient, ecological and autonomous spaces, guaranteeing a more sustainable food future for the next generations.
* Writer and Environment Engineer. Article originally published on Agrooportale.
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