by Leonardo Gottems

This spring, the Portuguese agricultural sector welcomes a new player: Liquiadubos, a domestic company preparing to inaugurate a factory for NPK-based liquid fertilizers – products containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential for the development of irrigated crops.

Located in the village of Ferreira do Alentejo, which lies in the southern agricultural municipality of Beja, the company aims not only to bolster the supply of inputs for crops such as olive and almond groves but also to lead through innovation and environmental sustainability.

Joaquim Carriço, the company’s commercial technician, states that Liquiadubos is already established and the factory remains on schedule to begin operations in spring 2025. The project, he highlights, represents more than just another competitor entering the Portuguese market: its ambition is to “revolutionize” the sector with superior quality products and foster a level of production autonomy previously unseen in Portugal.

Reducing External Dependence and Innovation

One of the key differentiators announced by Liquiadubos is the development and launch of two new liquid fertilizer lines, unprecedented in the country. According to Carriço, the main goal is to manufacture two products currently not produced in Portuguese factories. At this point, he did not disclose the formulation. The domestic market currently relies on importing these inputs, primarily from neighbouring Spain and other countries. By bringing this production to Portuguese soil, Liquiadubos aims to reduce costs, delivery times, and reliance on imports, representing gains for both producers and the local economy.

The choice of the factory’s location—in the heart of a region experiencing significant growth in olive and almond groves—responds to the expansion of these crops, which demand efficient fertilization tailored to the needs of fertigation. “We are at the nerve centre of the areas with the highest consumption of this type of product,” Carriço points out. Initially, the company plans to serve only the Portuguese market.

Environmental Sustainability as a Priority

Concerned with its environmental footprint, Liquiadubos is designing its production unit to ensure high ecological standards, both in the manufacturing process and the final product. “When building a new factory from scratch, we have significant environmental concerns, regarding both manufacturing and the fertilizers themselves,” he emphasizes. The fertilizers will leave the facility compliant with current environmental legislation, and the team is working on innovative technologies promising a dual benefit: increased productivity for farmers and reduced environmental impact.

Modern Infrastructure and Regional Distribution

In addition to liquid fertilizer production, the new facility will feature warehouses for granulated products and storage for phytosanitary products, optimizing logistics and offerings for farmers. The project also includes modern offices, meeting rooms, and service areas for inbound and outbound logistics, establishing itself as a comprehensive platform for clients and distributors.

With a focus on differentiation, quality, and sustainability, Liquiadubos believes it is poised to transform Portugal’s domestic fertilizer industry and aims to become a benchmark in an increasingly competitive sector committed to the country’s agricultural and environmental future.