This Order, consisting of 80 articles divided into ten Chapters and 14 Annexes, establishes the implementation system of Support Measures 7.4, «Soil conservation», 7.5 «Efficient use of water», 7.6, «Traditional permanent crops», 7.7 «Extensive grazing», 7.9 «Agroforestry mosaic», and 7.12 «Agri-environment support for beekeeping», of measure No 7 «Agriculture and natural resources» of the Mainland's Rural Development Programme. Supports provided for soil conservation have the following objectives: a) Promote the adoption of beneficial environmental practices; b) Prevent erosion and improve soils; c) Promote the conservation and sequestration of carbon in agriculture. Supports provided for the efficient use of water have the following objectives: a) Promote the adoption of beneficial environmental practices; b) Improve the management of water, fertilizers and pesticides; c) Improve the efficiency of water use by the agricultural sector. Supports provided for traditional permanent crops have the following objectives: a) Promote the adoption of beneficial environmental practices; b) Maintain traditional systems of permanent crops; c) Maintain the plant genetic heritage; d) Preserve the traditional landscapes of the Douro Demarcated Region. Supports provided for extensive grazing have the following objectives: a) Promote the adoption of beneficial environmental practices; b) Ensure the maintenance of extensive modes of livestock production; c) Prevent and improve soil management; d) Promote biodiversity; e) Promote the conservation and sequestration of carbon in agriculture; f) Reduce the conflict between the extensive grazing activity and the need for conservation of the Iberian wolf species. Supports provided for agroforestry have the following objectives: a) Maintain agroforestry mosaics, ensuring the discontinuity of forest areas; b) Prevent forest fires; c) Prevent degradation of soils, water resources and biodiversity.
Portugal · 2015-02-25