Portugal’s Olive Oil Is Unique To Our Soil, Seas, & Climate: João Manuel Moura

Portugal is famous for its fresh fruits and vegetables, wines, and high-quality olive oil. The arrival of Coração do Vale olive oil in India has accelerated the conversation between the two countries on farming, trade, and sustainability. During an interview with Responsible Us, João Manuel Moura, Secretary of State for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Portuguese Republic, discusses olive oil authenticity, sustainable practices in Portugal, and how both nations can foster greater cooperation in farming and food.

Excerpts: 

What motivated you to bring Portuguese olive oil to India?
Portugal and India have always shared a very good relationship. Our history speaks for us. In the past, Portuguese people came to India, took many products such as agricultural products, food, and others to Portugal. With this venture with Leads Brand Connect, it is wonderful that Portugal can export one of its best products — olive oil — to India. This is just a beginning.

How important is sustainability in Portugal’s agricultural production?
Production in Portugal follows very strict European Union rules, especially on sustainability, pollution control, and biological farming. That’s why our products are of very high quality. Olive oil is a great example. Nothing goes to waste; the entire production follows a circular system. The best oil is bottled for human consumption, while lower-grade oil is used in animal feed or other applications. Even the byproducts are returned to nature.

India and Portugal both have distinctive agricultural environments. What prospects do you see for cooperation between the two nations as a result of their sharing of practices and information in the production of olive oil and agri-food?
Portugal is unique in the world due to its soil, climate, and closeness to both the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. Indian products are unique in their own. This is an opportunity to share methods and learn from each other.

Other than olive oil, what other specialities can Portugal offer to India?
Olive oil is one of our flagship products, but in Portugal, we have many exclusive products, including a wonderful wine, which is a historic and important drink. I believe Indian people will truly enjoy Portuguese flavours. But my interest is not only in exporting products to India; we are equally interested in importing Indian products into Portugal, Europe, America, and other countries.

How do you see the future of India–Portugal cooperation in food and agriculture?
Global conditions are reshaping markets. This is the time for India and Portugal to reinforce cooperation. We may trade not just products but also scientific information and sustainable practices. My duty is to collaborate with the Indian government so that quality standards are enforced, and Indian consumers receive authentic products. Concurrently, the Portuguese firms are keen to take Indian goods for export and bring them to Europe, America, and other destinations.