Produzir mais e melhor: Estado, agricultura y consumo alimentario en Portugal (1926-1974)

Abstract

This article provides an analysis of the agriculture policies carried out by the dictatorships regimes that ruled Portugal (1926-1974). Linking production and consumption, it discusses how agriculture was able to feed the nation. The arguments are organized into three parts. First, it describes the role assigned to agriculture in national economic and social development, before and after the Second World War. Then, it presents the policy measures for some relevant food products, indicating whether they have contributed to provide a rational diet to the inhabitants. Finally, it evaluates the nutritional quality of the food available for the Portuguese population, comparing it with the values calculated for other European countries.