Portugal proposes EU pay shepherds to graze goats in wildfire-prone areas

Portuguese Agriculture Minister Jose Manuel Fernandes has called on the European Union to fund shepherds to graze goats, cows, and sheep in areas at high risk of forest fires. The proposal comes after a summer of drought and widespread wildfires. Several EU countries have supported maintaining agricultural funding in the bloc's next long-term budget. The minister noted that 42% of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy funds are allocated for environmental purposes, and farmers play a key role in environmental protection. He suggested financing the grazing program with EU revenues from emissions allowance trading.