The Portuguese National Institute of Statistics issued the "May 2017 Monthly Report of Agriculture and Fisheries" which presents a set of conjuncture information on the primary sector.

Regarding agricultural forecasts, it is reported on March 31 that they point to a general decrease in the productivity of autumn/winter cereals compared to the previous season. With the exception of rye, which is expected to maintain the levels achieved in 2016, the weather conditions in April (hot and dry) contributed to reductions in the unit yield of these crops. However, these conditions allowed the installation of spring/summer crops to occur without incident. Predictions point to the maintenance of the potato and tomato areas for industry and the reduction of the rice and sunflower area (by adapting the installed surface to water availability). As for the cherry, the early harvesting of the early varieties suggests a good campaign, with far higher yields than the last five years.

As regards the sector of slaughtered livestock, poultry and rabbits, it is stated that the total cleaned weight of slaughtered and approved animals for consumption in March 2017 was 38 801 tonnes, corresponding to a decrease of 9.5%. The decreases were particularly pronounced in goats and sheep, probably reflecting the calendar effect associated with Easter, followed by cattle and pigs. The total cleaned weight of poultry and rabbits slaughtered and approved for consumption was 29 751 tonnes.

Regarding the production of poultry and eggs, the volume of chicken production registered an increase of 18.3%, with 27 446 tons produced. The production of chicken eggs for consumption showed a decrease of 1.7%, with a production of 9 111 tons. In the milk and milk products production sector, the report shows that the collection of cows' milk amounted to 168,300 tons, an increase of 0.3%. Total milk production also rose by 0.9%, mainly due to the higher volume of milk for consumption and cream for consumption.

Regarding the fish sector, the volume of catches of fish in Portugal increased by 12.3%, justified by the greater catch of marine fish. The 7 949 tonnes of fish represented a revenue of 21 278 thousand Euros, an increase of 3.9%. The average price of fish discharged was 2.56 Euros / kg, representing a decrease of 8.9%.

Lastly, the report shows that, in April 2017, the largest variations in the price index of agricultural products in the producer were recorded in pigs (+ 46.5%), eggs (+ 38.3%), potatoes (+ 19.1%) and bulk olive oil (+ 16.3%). 

Source: Boletim Mensal da Agricultura e Pescas - Maio de 2017