Insights from over 30 years of common agricultural policy in Portugal

Abstract

This article reviews scientific evidence on the different interrelationships between the Portuguese agricultural sector and the common agricultural policy (CAP) over the last three decades. The novelty lies in synthesizing relevant scientific literature regarding the CAP in Portugal complemented by empirical evidence. While there have been improvements in the impacts of Portuguese agriculture on the environment (although the CAP could be more ambitious in this regard), spatial asymmetries remain (despite some signs of convergence in the agricultural sector among the Portuguese Mainland NUTs II). Production has also changed with a reduction in arable cropping and an increase in pastures and livestock. The landscape has changed with an increase in construction and forestry and a reduction in soil use for agriculture and agroforestry. Competitiveness has decreased (mainly after the 1992 CAP reform), and in terms of agricultural policies, further adjustments will be needed to make the CAP better linked with local specific conditions.