CAP represents the affiliated employers’ associations, federations and cooperatives from the agricultural and forestry sectors.Voting was conducted electronically for the first time.
Mendonça e Moura, elected for a three year term, said, “It is with great pride that I assume the presidency of CAP’s board, the oldest and largest representative structure of the sector in Portugal, with almost 50 years of history.
“CAP plays a key role in promoting and defending Portuguese agriculture and farmers. It represents their interests in Brussels, where it has a permanent delegation.”
With a law degree from the University of Coimbra,he has had a long diplomatic career having been Portugal’s ambassador in Vienna and Madrid, as well the country’s ambassador at the Permanent Representation to the EU. During his mandate he monitored the 2003 reform of the common agricultural policy and, between 2017 and 2021, served as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The challenges are multiple and on several fronts. Agriculture is fundamental to the nation’s economy with an important contribution to exports. It is a key component of territorial cohesion and an irreplaceable promoter of environmental sustainability,” he said. “I am, therefore, committed to fight for the development and growth of the Portuguese agroforestry sector, giving voice to its main pillar: the farmers.”
Born in Porto and with strong roots in the Trás-os-Montes region, where he spent periods of his youth, Mendonça e Moura has a deep understanding of agriculture. He grew up following the family’s agricultural activities and promoted a profound revitalization of the internal processes. He also founded a family business.
“To all farmers, without exception, I thank you for your support. A special word to my predecessor, Eduardo Oliveira e Sousa, now elected President of the General Assembly Board, whose legacy, as well as that of other emblematic leaders of this institution, I will seek to honor in my new functions,” Mendonça e Moura added.
The use of electronic voting reinforced the participation of farmers’ organizations, eliminating the need to travel to CAP’s headquarters in Lisbon, which contributed to a reduction of carbon emissions associated with the electoral process.
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