Decree-Law No. 14/2015 establishing the structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP).

This Decree-Law, consisting of 5 Chapters, establishes the structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP), which is the governmental department responsible for designing, executing, coordinating and assessing policies for the areas of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and livestock. It establishes composition, duties and responsibilities of the above mentioned Ministry, entitled to: propose policies and draft the regulation projects required for the areas under its responsibility; ensure the implementation of rural development programmes; create technical support centers for farmers; promote agricultural research; control the use of land for agricultural production purposes; promote and monitor animal health; promote agro-livestock and fisheries sectors; promote and monitor food production, including seed production; manage the Quarantine Services; implement a cooperative system of production and marketing of agricultural products; conduct studies for the installation of irrigation systems, water storage, as well as the construction of their premises; manage industry and environment, forestry and water resources; promote the production of specific culture; manage water resources for agricultural purposes; control and monitor fisheries and aquaculture; establish collaboration and coordination mechanisms with other Government bodies responsible for related areas; manage National Parks and Protected Areas; ensure the protection and conservation of nature and biodiversity, supervising the implementation of policies.