National Agricultural Reserve (RAN)
The RAN protects Portugal's most suitable agricultural land, restricting its use under specific legislation.
The National Agricultural Reserve (RAN) is a land-use planning instrument that protects Portugal's most suitable agricultural land, constituting a public-utility restriction. Its objectives include protecting agricultural soil, food security, environmental sustainability and land-use planning, preventing urban expansion from encroaching on the best farmland. Delimitation is carried out at municipal level, based on technical criteria such as soil quality, climate and water availability.
Key Legislation
- Decree-Law No. 73/2009, of 31 March (RJRAN), republished by Decree-Law No. 199/2015, of 16 September
- Ordinance No. 162/2011, of 18 April, which sets the technical criteria for delimiting and excluding RAN areas
- Law No. 31/2014, of 30 May (General Framework Law on Soil, Land-Use Planning and Urbanism Policy)
Excluding an area from the RAN requires a formal request to the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDRs), with technical justification and, in some cases, public consultation. Key challenges include urban pressure on protected land and the need for ongoing monitoring and enforcement.