"The farmers' effort has to be supported. I hope that it is possible that the available European funds are used in time, "said the head of state, in statements to journalists at the Ovibeja Fair.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he wanted it to be "a fast process" and that he wants European funds to "reach all farmers and livestock producers."

Asked if this is a message to the Government, the President of the Republic replied that he only feels that "now is an opportunity", because European funds "represent a unique opportunity".

"I'm thinking about this unique opportunity. I am not thinking of the past and other situations. And I say that, in this unique opportunity, support for agriculture and producers is fundamental," he said.

Accompanied by leaders of ACOS - Southern Farmers Association, which organises the fair, and other individuals, the President of the Republic toured the various spaces of the fair, visited exhibitors and contacted visitors.

Speaking to journalists, Marcelo praised the agricultural sector in Portugal, noting that "there is a quality and youth that are remarkable."

"The idea that agriculture was going to die, that it was a sector of the past, that it had no future in exports, that it was a reality that was going to be replaced, in the case of Portugal, by tourism, industry, services, in particular, and by trade is not true," he said.

Regarding Ovibeja, the head of state considered that this year's edition is "bigger than previous years" and that it took "a huge leap after the pandemic period."

"Ovibeja reminds us of when it was founded, with great nostalgia, but shows that those who lead it today are doing a remarkable work," he said.

The 39th edition of Ovibeja takes place, until Monday, in the Park of Fairs and Exhibitions of Beja - Manuel Castro and Brito.