The Associação de Regantes e Beneficiários de Silves, Lagoa e Portimão, which translates to “Association of Irrigators and Beneficiaries of Silves, Lagoa and Portimão”, was established on July 6, 1950, under Decree No. 28,653 of May 16, 1938.

The Association’s mission is to ensure the management, operation, and maintenance of the hydro-agricultural infrastructure within the beneficiary area, promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water and land.

Within the scope of its responsibilities, the Association:

• Participates in the definition and improvement of the project regulations, in coordination with I.H.E.R.A.;
• Organizes and supervises irrigation schedules, ensuring appropriate water distribution;
• Ensures the maintenance, preservation, and protection of infrastructure;
• Keeps cadastral and agricultural production records up to date;
• Ensures compliance with the applicable regulations;
• Cooperates with public authorities in the technical, economic, and social development of the region.

Through these functions, it contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture and to the continuous enhancement of the territory.

Its statutes date back to 1951 (Silves–Lagoa–Portimão) and 1996 (Benaciate), both notarized and under the supervision of the Algarve Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries. The most recent version was formalized by public deed on March 23, 1999, as well as by resolution of the General Assembly dated December 19, 1998.