Fruit

Apart from the careful and methodical cultivation of the vine and the banana, it may be said in general terms that fruit trees are not grown as a crop in this archipelago. This is so even though the special climatic conditions would allow an excellent and abundant yield, and Madeira's geographical position favours the easy export of fruit to various foreign countries and Portuguese colonies. It is true that many fruit-bearing trees are found here, of varied kinds and from almost every region, including tropical climates, but they are generally left to grow as nature itself dictates, without the proper care that experience and science could provide. The true orchard is almost entirely unknown here in Madeira: fruit trees appear scattered among other crops, as though they had sprung up spontaneously, and most farmers give them neither attention nor care.

Nevertheless, it must be admitted that this situation has changed considerably in recent years, and the growing of fruit trees can now be regarded as a significant factor in the economy of the district.

Some legislative measures have been enacted, prompted above all by the cultivation and export of the banana, which at present is one of the most important sources of Madeira's public wealth.

The Decree of 5 June 1935 created in Funchal the Guild of Fruit and Horticultural Produce Exporters (Grémio de Exportadores de Frutas e Produtos Hortícolas); another decree of the same date established in this city a Delegation of the National Fruit Board (Junta Nacional de Frutas); and the decrees of 21 August 1938 and 16 May 1939 adopted certain measures to protect the export of these products.