Chega recommends urgent measures to the Government against crime in the agricultural sector

The CHEGA Parliamentary Group presented a recommendation to the Government this Thursday, demanding a firm and effective response to the growing number of thefts on agricultural holdings.

In a statement, the party highlighted that “according to data from the GNR and recent reports, between 2020 and 2024 more than 8,000 crimes occurred, including the theft of crops, copper, fuel, livestock and agricultural machinery, seriously affecting regions such as Alentejo, Ribatejo and Algarve”.

"These crimes generate losses that often far exceed the value of the stolen goods, putting the sustainability of national agricultural activity at risk," Chega highlighted.

For the party led by André Ventura, it is necessary to move forward with "strengthening oversight of intermediaries selling agricultural products, metals, and machinery, through coordinated action between the GNR, ASAE, and the Tax Authority."

Chega also suggests "mandatory electronic identification of animals, digitalization of the reporting process, the development of cork traceability technologies, and the creation of incentives for the installation of video surveillance and security gates."

"These measures aim not only to prevent crimes, but also to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that agricultural properties are effectively protected," the party stressed.

In the statement, Chega also considered it “urgent to review the criminal legal framework, with the worsening of penalties for agricultural crimes and the recognition of the destruction of cork oaks as an environmental crime.”

Thus, the parliamentary group called on the Government to act immediately, assuming its responsibilities in terms of security, inspection and support for agriculture, and reaffirms its commitment to defending the rural world and the producers who feed the country every day.