The Pinus pinea supply chain has undergone important developments in the last decade resulting from the exponential increase in the area occupied by this species and the technological leap that represents the grafting technique and mechanical harvesting.

However, the future effects of this new reality are still diffuse.

It is essential to understand, in view of the recent evolution of the sector, what the medium and long-term prospects are in the potential viability of this activity and of Portuguese pine forests.

Pinus pinea is currently one of the most interesting forest species playing a major role in the economy of agroforestry farms in some regions of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in the Alentejo.

Knowledge of the value chain that makes up the industry contributes to a large extent to improving the competitiveness of the industry itself in the Alentejo region, covering all aspects of the exploitation of a forest resource - economic, social and environmental.

With a market geared mainly to exports, the supply chain can ensure an effective contribution to strengthening the economic value of Mediterranean agroforestry spaces and reducing the risk of abandonment and territorial desertification.

Despite all the added value it already has, as well as many potentialities to be developed, it still faces several constraints to the full development of its potential.

It was to respond to these needs that UNAC - Union of the Mediterranean Forest carried out the Project “Programa de Valorização da Fileira da Pinha/Pinhão”, a QREN initiative, supported by INALENTEJO.

In this context, Agri-Science prepared this study.