Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights commitment to quality as key to tourism success in the Azores
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights commitment to quality as key to tourism success in the Azores
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Governo dos Açores reitera importância do fim dos rateios e destaca impacto de investimento recorde na agricultura
Governo dos Açores reitera importância do fim dos rateios e destaca impacto de investimento recorde na agricultura
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Abertas desde hoje inscrições para formação em Jornalismo e Inteligência Artificial
Abertas desde hoje inscrições para formação em Jornalismo e Inteligência Artificial
Secretaria Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto
Sofia Ribeiro guarantees "honest and proximity policy" with Azorean clubs
Sofia Ribeiro guarantees "honest and proximity policy" with Azorean clubs
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights commitment to quality as key to tourism success in the Azores The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the official opening session of the Azores stand at BTL 2026 – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market, which runs until Sunday, March 1, at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL). The ceremony was attended by the mayors of the Azores, as well as representatives of Azorean companies, associations and tour operators present at the event, in a moment that symbolised institutional and business cooperation for the promotion of the Azores as a destination. The head of the Azorean Government stressed that the recent path of regional tourism is the result of a clear strategic choice: focusing on quality, added value and differentiation, rather than seeking only volume growth. "We have been able to look strategically at the development economy not in terms of its quantitative value, but rather in terms of its qualitative value. It is for this reason that we are reaching levels of excellence, along with income," he stated. The figures presented by the President of the Government evidence this evolution. The income forecast for 2019 was €104 million; currently, this figure stands at €206 million, representing an increase of 97%. There has also been significant growth in air mobility: 2.3 million passengers landed, compared to 1.7 million in 2019, representing a growth of about 40%. The RevPAR (revenue per available room) was another key indicator. It grew by 72%, showing that the sector's growth is based on improving the offer, not just on increasing visitor figures. For the President of the Regional Government, it is precisely this focus on authenticity, historical identity, and quality of experience that makes the Azores a top tourist destination. José Manuel Bolieiro also acknowledged the public and private entities that have contributed to these results, emphasising that the success achieved stems from joint efforts. "We are proud of this representation. We feel motivated and confident to carry on," he said. In a speech that also encompassed a political component, the head of the Azorean Government warned of the importance of avoiding overly pessimistic views in the face of occasional fluctuations, defending that 2026 should be regarded as a year of resilience and confidence. "We must abandon the dramatic pessimism when there are small variations. They are not contributing to growth," he said, stressing that the Region must remain focused on consolidating results. The President of the Azorean Government reiterated that tourism is the real driving force behind the Azorean economy. In 2023, the sector generated €889 million in wealth, representing around 20% of the regional Gross Value Added (GVA), 17% of Gross Domestic Product and 17% of employment in the Region. "This is a great achievement. It is motivating, and we are proud of this result," he said. Over the five days of BTL, the Azores stand will host presentations by municipalities, business meetings, promotional activities and initiatives for direct contact with operators and the general public, highlighting the territorial, cultural and tourist diversity of the nine islands. The increased participation in the country's largest tourism fair thus reflects the continuity of an external promotion strategy seeking to consolidate markets, attract new segments, and establish the Azores as a sustainable and differentiated destination with high added value.
February 25, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights commitment to quality as key to tourism success in the Azores The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the official opening session of the Azores stand at BTL 2026 – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market, which runs until Sunday, March 1, at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL). The ceremony was attended by the mayors of the Azores, as well as representatives of Azorean companies, associations and tour operators present at the event, in a moment that symbolised institutional and business cooperation for the promotion of the Azores as a destination. The head of the Azorean Government stressed that the recent path of regional tourism is the result of a clear strategic choice: focusing on quality, added value and differentiation, rather than seeking only volume growth. "We have been able to look strategically at the development economy not in terms of its quantitative value, but rather in terms of its qualitative value. It is for this reason that we are reaching levels of excellence, along with income," he stated. The figures presented by the President of the Government evidence this evolution. The income forecast for 2019 was €104 million; currently, this figure stands at €206 million, representing an increase of 97%. There has also been significant growth in air mobility: 2.3 million passengers landed, compared to 1.7 million in 2019, representing a growth of about 40%. The RevPAR (revenue per available room) was another key indicator. It grew by 72%, showing that the sector's growth is based on improving the offer, not just on increasing visitor figures. For the President of the Regional Government, it is precisely this focus on authenticity, historical identity, and quality of experience that makes the Azores a top tourist destination. José Manuel Bolieiro also acknowledged the public and private entities that have contributed to these results, emphasising that the success achieved stems from joint efforts. "We are proud of this representation. We feel motivated and confident to carry on," he said. In a speech that also encompassed a political component, the head of the Azorean Government warned of the importance of avoiding overly pessimistic views in the face of occasional fluctuations, defending that 2026 should be regarded as a year of resilience and confidence. "We must abandon the dramatic pessimism when there are small variations. They are not contributing to growth," he said, stressing that the Region must remain focused on consolidating results. The President of the Azorean Government reiterated that tourism is the real driving force behind the Azorean economy. In 2023, the sector generated €889 million in wealth, representing around 20% of the regional Gross Value Added (GVA), 17% of Gross Domestic Product and 17% of employment in the Region. "This is a great achievement. It is motivating, and we are proud of this result," he said. Over the five days of BTL, the Azores stand will host presentations by municipalities, business meetings, promotional activities and initiatives for direct contact with operators and the general public, highlighting the territorial, cultural and tourist diversity of the nine islands. The increased participation in the country's largest tourism fair thus reflects the continuity of an external promotion strategy seeking to consolidate markets, attract new segments, and establish the Azores as a sustainable and differentiated destination with high added value.
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 Governo dos Açores reitera importância do fim dos rateios e destaca impacto de investimento recorde na agricultura O Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura, garantiu hoje, na Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, que o Governo dos Açores de coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM instituiu uma "nova era de confiança e previsibilidade no setor agrícola", marcada pelo fim definitivo dos cortes nos apoios públicos e pela implementação, inédita, de um calendário de pagamentos regionais. Durante a sua intervenção, António Ventura sublinhou que a opção política de garantir o pagamento a 100% dos prémios aos agricultores contrasta com o passado socialista, garantindo agora um verdadeiro planeamento financeiro às explorações agropecuárias da Região. O governante destacou que 2025 representou o maior investimento de sempre do Orçamento Regional na agricultura, atingindo os 60 milhões de euros, montante ao qual se somaram 16 milhões de euros do Orçamento do Estado para o complemento do POSEI. Este esforço financeiro traduziu-se num crescimento expressivo das produções locais. António Ventura revelou que a área de milho para alimentação animal atingiu um recorde de 15 mil hectares, promovendo a autonomia energética e alimentar da Região. Ao nível da produção de carne, o executivo atribuiu, nos últimos cinco anos, três mil novos direitos de vacas aleitantes, uma medida estratégica para combater o défice de produção nacional. Adicionalmente, o fim dos limites no gasóleo agrícola e o apoio à aquisição de sementes revelaram-se fundamentais para a produtividade do setor. A transição ambiental foi outro dos focos da intervenção em plenário - em apenas quatro anos, a área dedicada à agricultura biológica nos Açores "deu um salto histórico", passando de 1.100 para 5.300 hectares, a par do apoio à instalação de mais de dois mil hectares de pastagens biodiversas. No que respeita à renovação geracional, o titular da pasta da Agricultura sublinhou que a duplicação do prémio à primeira instalação resultou num recorde na fixação de jovens no setor, com 86 novos agricultores instalados em 2025, o valor mais alto da última década. António Ventura recordou ainda a celeridade na regularização de processos pendentes, como a resolução de penalizações europeias no parcelário que ameaçavam o rendimento de 1.300 agricultores, bem como a criação de suplementos extraordinários de mais de nove milhões de euros para compensar perdas no setor. A transparência da atual governação foi também enfatizada: atualmente, através do Portal do Governo dos Açores, a informação diária sobre pagamentos, calendários, candidaturas e legislação chega de forma direta e acessível a todos os interessados. “O dinheiro dos contribuintes está a ter retorno, não só para o rendimento do produtor, mas para a alimentação acessível dos açorianos”, concluiu António Ventura, frisando que, num mundo em turbulência, o aumento das produções regionais garante uma maior segurança alimentar e reduz a dependência de importações.
February 25, 2026 Governo dos Açores reitera importância do fim dos rateios e destaca impacto de investimento recorde na agricultura O Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura, garantiu hoje, na Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, que o Governo dos Açores de coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM instituiu uma "nova era de confiança e previsibilidade no setor agrícola", marcada pelo fim definitivo dos cortes nos apoios públicos e pela implementação, inédita, de um calendário de pagamentos regionais. Durante a sua intervenção, António Ventura sublinhou que a opção política de garantir o pagamento a 100% dos prémios aos agricultores contrasta com o passado socialista, garantindo agora um verdadeiro planeamento financeiro às explorações agropecuárias da Região. O governante destacou que 2025 representou o maior investimento de sempre do Orçamento Regional na agricultura, atingindo os 60 milhões de euros, montante ao qual se somaram 16 milhões de euros do Orçamento do Estado para o complemento do POSEI. Este esforço financeiro traduziu-se num crescimento expressivo das produções locais. António Ventura revelou que a área de milho para alimentação animal atingiu um recorde de 15 mil hectares, promovendo a autonomia energética e alimentar da Região. Ao nível da produção de carne, o executivo atribuiu, nos últimos cinco anos, três mil novos direitos de vacas aleitantes, uma medida estratégica para combater o défice de produção nacional. Adicionalmente, o fim dos limites no gasóleo agrícola e o apoio à aquisição de sementes revelaram-se fundamentais para a produtividade do setor. A transição ambiental foi outro dos focos da intervenção em plenário - em apenas quatro anos, a área dedicada à agricultura biológica nos Açores "deu um salto histórico", passando de 1.100 para 5.300 hectares, a par do apoio à instalação de mais de dois mil hectares de pastagens biodiversas. No que respeita à renovação geracional, o titular da pasta da Agricultura sublinhou que a duplicação do prémio à primeira instalação resultou num recorde na fixação de jovens no setor, com 86 novos agricultores instalados em 2025, o valor mais alto da última década. António Ventura recordou ainda a celeridade na regularização de processos pendentes, como a resolução de penalizações europeias no parcelário que ameaçavam o rendimento de 1.300 agricultores, bem como a criação de suplementos extraordinários de mais de nove milhões de euros para compensar perdas no setor. A transparência da atual governação foi também enfatizada: atualmente, através do Portal do Governo dos Açores, a informação diária sobre pagamentos, calendários, candidaturas e legislação chega de forma direta e acessível a todos os interessados. “O dinheiro dos contribuintes está a ter retorno, não só para o rendimento do produtor, mas para a alimentação acessível dos açorianos”, concluiu António Ventura, frisando que, num mundo em turbulência, o aumento das produções regionais garante uma maior segurança alimentar e reduz a dependência de importações.
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 Abertas desde hoje inscrições para formação em Jornalismo e Inteligência Artificial Estão abertas, a partir de hoje, as inscrições para uma nova ação de formação de jornalistas, dedicada ao tema “Jornalismo e Inteligência Artificial” – a ação, à imagem de iniciativas semelhantes em 2025, é desenvolvida e credenciada pelo Centro Protocolar de Formação Profissional para Jornalistas (CENJOR). Esta iniciativa, integrada num conjunto de respostas do Governo dos Açores para o setor da comunicação social, decorrerá em formato híbrido – ‘online’ e presencial - durante o mês de março. A componente ‘online’ realiza-se nos dias 3, 10, 17 e 24, enquanto as sessões presenciais terão lugar nos dias 20 e 21 de março, em Ponta Delgada. As inscrições estão abertas até domingo, 1 de março. As inscrições podem ser efetuadas através da página de Internet do CENJOR - Centro Protocolar de Formação Profissional para Jornalistas, disponível em: https://portal.cenjor.pt/courseaction/subscribe/2468.personal Os formadores deste curso são Ana Pinto Martinho, jornalista que tem nas tecnologias de informação e comunicação áreas de especialização, além de ser também, entre outras atividades, professora no ISCTE, e Paulo Agostinho, quadro da agência Lusa, onde foi editor em várias áreas, e professor no Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, ISCTE e ISEC nas áreas do jornalismo, literacia mediática e novas tecnologias. Esta ação surge na sequência do sucesso de duas formações realizadas em 2025, focadas em jornalismo de economia e jornalismo em cenários de catástrofe, e que contaram com a adesão de mais de 40 profissionais do setor. O objetivo do Governo Regional é dar continuidade à qualificação da classe, sendo que a formação - totalmente gratuita - se destina a todos os jornalistas residentes nos Açores, abrangendo tanto os profissionais de órgãos privados como do setor público (RTP, Antena 1 e agência Lusa). Para garantir a coesão territorial e a igualdade de acesso, o Governo dos Açores assegura as viagens e o alojamento aos jornalistas residentes fora da ilha de São Miguel, salvaguardando vagas para profissionais de todas as ilhas, incluindo as Flores e o Corvo. Os conteúdos programáticos foram definidos em articulação entre o CENJOR e a Direção Regional dos Açores do Sindicato dos Jornalistas, parceiro estratégico deste projeto. Quaisquer pedidos de esclarecimento podem ser dirigidos ao CENJOR, através do e-mail [email protected], ou à Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades. Esta formação é um dos quatro eixos fundamentais do “Plano para os Media Açorianos”, criado pelo Governo Regional dos Açores para apoiar o setor. O plano inclui ainda o Sistema de Incentivos aos Media (SIM), a compra de pacotes de publicidade institucional junto de jornais e rádios e a assinatura de títulos regionais para distribuição em escolas e Instituições Particulares de Solidariedade Social (IPSS).
February 25, 2026 Abertas desde hoje inscrições para formação em Jornalismo e Inteligência Artificial Estão abertas, a partir de hoje, as inscrições para uma nova ação de formação de jornalistas, dedicada ao tema “Jornalismo e Inteligência Artificial” – a ação, à imagem de iniciativas semelhantes em 2025, é desenvolvida e credenciada pelo Centro Protocolar de Formação Profissional para Jornalistas (CENJOR). Esta iniciativa, integrada num conjunto de respostas do Governo dos Açores para o setor da comunicação social, decorrerá em formato híbrido – ‘online’ e presencial - durante o mês de março. A componente ‘online’ realiza-se nos dias 3, 10, 17 e 24, enquanto as sessões presenciais terão lugar nos dias 20 e 21 de março, em Ponta Delgada. As inscrições estão abertas até domingo, 1 de março. As inscrições podem ser efetuadas através da página de Internet do CENJOR - Centro Protocolar de Formação Profissional para Jornalistas, disponível em: https://portal.cenjor.pt/courseaction/subscribe/2468.personal Os formadores deste curso são Ana Pinto Martinho, jornalista que tem nas tecnologias de informação e comunicação áreas de especialização, além de ser também, entre outras atividades, professora no ISCTE, e Paulo Agostinho, quadro da agência Lusa, onde foi editor em várias áreas, e professor no Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, ISCTE e ISEC nas áreas do jornalismo, literacia mediática e novas tecnologias. Esta ação surge na sequência do sucesso de duas formações realizadas em 2025, focadas em jornalismo de economia e jornalismo em cenários de catástrofe, e que contaram com a adesão de mais de 40 profissionais do setor. O objetivo do Governo Regional é dar continuidade à qualificação da classe, sendo que a formação - totalmente gratuita - se destina a todos os jornalistas residentes nos Açores, abrangendo tanto os profissionais de órgãos privados como do setor público (RTP, Antena 1 e agência Lusa). Para garantir a coesão territorial e a igualdade de acesso, o Governo dos Açores assegura as viagens e o alojamento aos jornalistas residentes fora da ilha de São Miguel, salvaguardando vagas para profissionais de todas as ilhas, incluindo as Flores e o Corvo. Os conteúdos programáticos foram definidos em articulação entre o CENJOR e a Direção Regional dos Açores do Sindicato dos Jornalistas, parceiro estratégico deste projeto. Quaisquer pedidos de esclarecimento podem ser dirigidos ao CENJOR, através do e-mail [email protected], ou à Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades. Esta formação é um dos quatro eixos fundamentais do “Plano para os Media Açorianos”, criado pelo Governo Regional dos Açores para apoiar o setor. O plano inclui ainda o Sistema de Incentivos aos Media (SIM), a compra de pacotes de publicidade institucional junto de jornais e rádios e a assinatura de títulos regionais para distribuição em escolas e Instituições Particulares de Solidariedade Social (IPSS).
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 Sofia Ribeiro guarantees "honest and proximity policy" with Azorean clubs "Honest and accessible politics has this prerogative: converging. In light of the argument put forward by Azorean clubs that they need more time for systemic reform to guarantee the necessary predictability for launching a sporting season guided by stability, we have revisited the previously presented schedule," stated the government official. Sofia Ribeiro spoke during a debate at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. On the occasion, she called for a "constructive dialogue" so that "priorities, criteria and obligations in the allocation of sports funding can be defined in a participatory manner, with a view to promoting physical and sporting activities" in the Azores. "Aware that predictability in planning is an important key to success, we have decided to maintain support for tourism relevance throughout the 2026/2027 season as well, but we acknowledge the urgent need for its revision. In other words, we are not eliminating support, but rather reformulating it," she stated. She continued: "We are already working on changing the framework for support in this area, so that it covers individual and collective participation in regional and national competitions and championships, different competitive levels and categories, different teams, and the specific logistical needs of each sport, particularly regarding the transport of equipment and animals. The scope of the revision extends to the current and most varied support programmes, such as training and competition activities, and training levels.” The commitment involves engaging the sporting community in a "broad discussion conducive towards better alignment with regional needs as a whole," she stated. “In fact, we have already started doing so. Last week, we invited the clubs competing in the top tiers of the national championships, already benefitting from support for tourism relevance from the Regional Directorate for Sport, to a meeting, where we made a commitment to maintain this support throughout the 2026/2027 season. We have already begun the process of revising it, intending to incorporate criteria for sporting practice that will enable the consolidation of training levels, investment in athletes trained in the Azores, and the promotion of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles," she pointed out. The Regional Secretary explained that clubs have agreed to present a list of principles and goals that should be included in the development of a strategic sports development plan that safeguards their competitive needs, linking it to high-quality sports training for athletes in the Azores. "At a later stage, we will open the debate to associations representing several sports and, through them, to different sports clubs, as well as to the community, as we are already informing associations," she emphasised. Sofia Ribeiro also regretted that the Socialist Party, which "has every right to discuss the allocation of funds" to "Palavra Açores," did not do so "on three formal occasions" at the Legislative Assembly. "Neither at my hearing, during the presentation of the draft plan at the beginning of last November, nor at the legislative session where this document was debated and voted on, and even less so at the last legislative session, where we debated support for clubs, did the Socialist Party question me about the reduction in investment in sport in this year of major budget demands," she stressed. She added: “The sole concerns of the Socialist Party, and its only two proposals for budget amendments, concern sports infrastructures. They did not want to know about the ‘Palavra Açores’ programme, nor about other areas of sports investment. (...) Therefore, the Socialist Party, which either knew and let it pass, or did not know and did not want to know, loses all credibility by questioning the ethics with which we carry out our governmental mission."
February 25, 2026 Sofia Ribeiro guarantees "honest and proximity policy" with Azorean clubs "Honest and accessible politics has this prerogative: converging. In light of the argument put forward by Azorean clubs that they need more time for systemic reform to guarantee the necessary predictability for launching a sporting season guided by stability, we have revisited the previously presented schedule," stated the government official. Sofia Ribeiro spoke during a debate at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. On the occasion, she called for a "constructive dialogue" so that "priorities, criteria and obligations in the allocation of sports funding can be defined in a participatory manner, with a view to promoting physical and sporting activities" in the Azores. "Aware that predictability in planning is an important key to success, we have decided to maintain support for tourism relevance throughout the 2026/2027 season as well, but we acknowledge the urgent need for its revision. In other words, we are not eliminating support, but rather reformulating it," she stated. She continued: "We are already working on changing the framework for support in this area, so that it covers individual and collective participation in regional and national competitions and championships, different competitive levels and categories, different teams, and the specific logistical needs of each sport, particularly regarding the transport of equipment and animals. The scope of the revision extends to the current and most varied support programmes, such as training and competition activities, and training levels.” The commitment involves engaging the sporting community in a "broad discussion conducive towards better alignment with regional needs as a whole," she stated. “In fact, we have already started doing so. Last week, we invited the clubs competing in the top tiers of the national championships, already benefitting from support for tourism relevance from the Regional Directorate for Sport, to a meeting, where we made a commitment to maintain this support throughout the 2026/2027 season. We have already begun the process of revising it, intending to incorporate criteria for sporting practice that will enable the consolidation of training levels, investment in athletes trained in the Azores, and the promotion of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles," she pointed out. The Regional Secretary explained that clubs have agreed to present a list of principles and goals that should be included in the development of a strategic sports development plan that safeguards their competitive needs, linking it to high-quality sports training for athletes in the Azores. "At a later stage, we will open the debate to associations representing several sports and, through them, to different sports clubs, as well as to the community, as we are already informing associations," she emphasised. Sofia Ribeiro also regretted that the Socialist Party, which "has every right to discuss the allocation of funds" to "Palavra Açores," did not do so "on three formal occasions" at the Legislative Assembly. "Neither at my hearing, during the presentation of the draft plan at the beginning of last November, nor at the legislative session where this document was debated and voted on, and even less so at the last legislative session, where we debated support for clubs, did the Socialist Party question me about the reduction in investment in sport in this year of major budget demands," she stressed. She added: “The sole concerns of the Socialist Party, and its only two proposals for budget amendments, concern sports infrastructures. They did not want to know about the ‘Palavra Açores’ programme, nor about other areas of sports investment. (...) Therefore, the Socialist Party, which either knew and let it pass, or did not know and did not want to know, loses all credibility by questioning the ethics with which we carry out our governmental mission."
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 Regional Government joins National Advisory Council to promote digital transformation of agriculture The Regional Government has officially joined the Advisory Council for the Promotion of Digitalisation in Agriculture (CCDA), ensuring a truly national representation in this strategic body for the technological modernisation of the sector. This integration was formalised today, February 25, with the Region's participation in the first CCDA meeting. The session was chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, and was attended by the Regional Director for Rural Development, João Reis, representing the archipelago. The main topics for this inaugural meeting focused on defining the Strategy for the Digitalisation of Agriculture, the operating model for the Advisory Council, and the next steps to be implemented in the sector. CCDA has as its main mission to foster the digital transition in agriculture and livestock farming, promoting task automation and operational efficiency with a view to freeing farmers' time for management activities and optimising the sustainable use of resources. For the Azorean Government, digital transformation is of paramount importance given the reality of island life. Geographical dispersion, smaller production scale and logistical challenges require technological solutions capable of reducing costs and improving the resilience of farms. The adoption of tools such as precision farming, remote monitoring systems, data analysis and automated processes will enable the Region to optimise water and soil use, improve pasture management and enhance food traceability, aligned with European climate targets. The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food emphasised the importance of this step for the archipelago. "This development represents a strategic opportunity for the Azores to boost competitiveness and ensure more innovative and knowledge-based rural development," stated António Ventura. With the entry of the Autonomous Region of the Azores into this advisory body, the CCDA reinforces its global commitment to productive efficiency and sustainability throughout the national territory.
February 25, 2026 Regional Government joins National Advisory Council to promote digital transformation of agriculture The Regional Government has officially joined the Advisory Council for the Promotion of Digitalisation in Agriculture (CCDA), ensuring a truly national representation in this strategic body for the technological modernisation of the sector. This integration was formalised today, February 25, with the Region's participation in the first CCDA meeting. The session was chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, and was attended by the Regional Director for Rural Development, João Reis, representing the archipelago. The main topics for this inaugural meeting focused on defining the Strategy for the Digitalisation of Agriculture, the operating model for the Advisory Council, and the next steps to be implemented in the sector. CCDA has as its main mission to foster the digital transition in agriculture and livestock farming, promoting task automation and operational efficiency with a view to freeing farmers' time for management activities and optimising the sustainable use of resources. For the Azorean Government, digital transformation is of paramount importance given the reality of island life. Geographical dispersion, smaller production scale and logistical challenges require technological solutions capable of reducing costs and improving the resilience of farms. The adoption of tools such as precision farming, remote monitoring systems, data analysis and automated processes will enable the Region to optimise water and soil use, improve pasture management and enhance food traceability, aligned with European climate targets. The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food emphasised the importance of this step for the archipelago. "This development represents a strategic opportunity for the Azores to boost competitiveness and ensure more innovative and knowledge-based rural development," stated António Ventura. With the entry of the Autonomous Region of the Azores into this advisory body, the CCDA reinforces its global commitment to productive efficiency and sustainability throughout the national territory.
