The Navigator Company is strengthening its support for forest producers affected by storm Kristin, with a new set of measures to accelerate the recovery of activity and to support the reforestation of affected areas.
According to information released by the company, the package now available includes measures such as access to credit and moratoria, technical support for applications to public funds, on-site counseling, and provision of plants for replanting the affected areas, with the aim of directly addressing the on-the-ground impacts.
These measures are a continuation of others that were announced in February, and the company says it will receive fine wood from the municipalities affected by the storm, “strengthening its work with the owners and its commitment to the recovery of the forest supply chain.”
According to the company, this support is exclusively for the municipalities affected by storm Kristin and is valid for members of the Navigator Forest Producers Club.
Financial support for the resumption of activity
In the financial plan, Navigator, through a partnership with Crédito Agrícola, says it is expediting access to financing instruments essential for the recovery of producers’ activity.
It explains to companies that producers will be able to benefit from conditions aimed at strengthening liquidity and supporting investment, notably through lines from the Portuguese Development Bank, both in the investment aspect and in treasury support, as well as the possibility of access to moratoria on financing contracted with Crédito Agrícola.
“This axis aims to ensure conditions for a rapid resumption of economic activity, reducing the immediate impact of the storm and creating the foundations for a sustained recovery of the farms,” says Navigator.
Specialized business support
Among the measures is also access to specialized technical support for producers, through a partnership with AGROGES.
According to Navigator, this support includes assistance in identifying and reporting damages, as well as access to available public supports, such as applications for agricultural subsidies, incentives for maintaining employment, simplified layoff schemes, and exemptions from Social Security contributions.
“In this way, producers gain concrete support in navigating the available mechanisms, at a moment particularly demanding for the sector,” says Navigator.
Forest solutions for recovery and value enhancement of production
In the forestry axis, Navigator reinforces a set of solutions focused on restoring capacity and promoting active territorial management.
Among the measures is the supply of plants through Viveiros Aliança – one of the largest in Europe and responsible for producing more than 130 species of trees and shrubs – to support reforestation and the replenishment of productive potential.
The company also provides the Winwood program, which supports investment in silvicultural operations and ensures access to specialized technical knowledge aimed at “owners who intend to recover and revitalise their forest areas while maintaining active management, without the need to lease or sell the properties,” according to a press release.
Navigator also says it ensures mechanisms for buying wood to facilitate the removal and valorization of the affected production, preventing its devaluation and promoting greater efficiency in the supply chain.
