Abertura da Feira Agrícola Açores 2026
Nota de Imprensa
June 12, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro states that “support for agriculture protects a real and productive economy” The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening ceremony of the Azores Agricultural Fair 2026, held at the Vinha Brava Multipurpose Hall on Terceira Island, highlighting agriculture as a strategic sector for economic development, social cohesion and the establishment of Azorean identity. Speaking before producers, entrepreneurs, association leaders and other stakeholders in the sector, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of the fair as a meeting place for all players in the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and distribution. “This is an opportunity to bring the Azores together, congregating production, processing and distribution from a sector that has an important value chain for our economy and for what we do in the Azores,” he stated. The head of the Azorean Government defended that wealth generation remains an essential condition for economic and social development, stressing the role of work in building a more prosperous society. “It is not possible to distribute wealth without first creating it. It is not possible to enhance the quality of human life without work, whether on an individual or collective level. The potential of our natural environment is only fully achieved when combined with work, knowledge and the ability to innovate,” he emphasised. The head of the Azorean Government also praised the role of Azorean agricultural associations, considering them an “indispensable social partner” for the sector’s progress and the development of solutions addressing current challenges. “Agricultural associations have established themselves as a key social partner. In every association, on every island and across the entire archipelago, I commend the work ethic, the search for solutions and the pooling of expertise that matches the scale of our collective ambition,” he stressed. The President of the Regional Government pointed out that Azorean agriculture represents much more than just food production; it is an essential part of the Region’s culture and identity. “Agriculture is also part of Azorean culture and identity. No one would imagine visiting the Azores without encountering a thriving agricultural sector, capable of contributing to our islands’ food self-sufficiency and the preservation of our authenticity,” he said. In this context, he tied agriculture to the values of social cohesion, sustainability and authenticity that the Azores Brand seeks to promote both within and outside the Region. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the sector’s ability to attract and retain talent, noting that Azorean agriculture is well-positioned to create future opportunities and generate value for residents and visitors alike. “We have quality, we have excellence, and we have the capacity to continue attracting people to the Azores, making the most of our resources and creating opportunities for new generations,” he stated. In his speech, the president of the Government highlighted the results achieved by the agricultural sector, emphasising that its importance to the regional economy is reflected in the growth of the Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture and agro-industries. As he noted, agricultural GVA reached its highest level in 30 years in 2024, standing at €354 million, demonstrating the sector’s growing importance to the Azorean economy. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the joint efforts of the Regional Government and the Azores Agricultural Federation to ensure that Azorean farmers are treated equally in accessing national support measures. “We have managed to correct an unfair situation that was creating difficulties for Azorean farmers, who were being excluded from national support schemes. Today, our efforts to secure better terms have ensured that Azorean farmers are included in national support schemes for fertilisers and energy, which is entirely fair,” he emphasised. In the context of public policies for the sector, the President of the Regional Government reiterated the Government's commitment to ensuring balance throughout the food value chain, offsetting the additional costs arising from the archipelago’s geographical location whilst protecting consumers. “The main beneficiaries of these measures are consumers and the regional economy, ensuring that products reach Azorean consumers at affordable prices, without compromising the sustainability of production,” he stated. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted investment in research, innovation and food safety, key areas for boosting the competitiveness and excellence of regional production. José Manuel Bolieiro also announced that applications have been open since June 1 for the conversion of dairy farms to beef production on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Graciosa, a measure aimed at diversifying agricultural activity and strengthening the sector’s resilience. It was also announced that applications to support the purchase of maize and sorghum seeds for the 2025 season would open in July, with a 30% increase in funding in response to the adverse weather conditions experienced throughout the year. This measure has contributed to the growth of regional forage maize production, with the Azores reaching a record area of 14,500 hectares dedicated to this crop by 2025, thereby strengthening self-sufficiency in animal feed and reducing dependence on imports. Regarding the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC), the President of the Regional Government highlighted the strong uptake amongst Azorean farmers towards the available investment programmes. The first application period, which ran from December 2025 to January 2026, saw €4 million in funding approved to support a total investment exceeding €5.1 million, covering projects in areas such as dairy and beef cattle farming, fruit growing, viticulture and horticulture. José Manuel Bolieiro also announced that applications will open in July, with €3 million in funding available to support the afforestation of agricultural land and the installation of windbreaks. “This is an opportunity to increase the forest area of the Azores, whilst promoting the environmental sustainability of farms and supporting producers during the early years of this investment,” he explained. Furthermore, the President of the Regional Government also defended the need to ensure that national support for the agricultural sector is effectively extended to the Region. “National aid must cover the entire national territory. We have been calling on the National Government to include the Azores in this support scheme. We are not creating an economy of dependency, but rather protecting a real, productive economy that generates wealth, employment and development for the Azores,” he concluded. Also present at the ceremony were the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the President of the Azores Agricultural Federation, Jorge Rita, the President of the Terceira Island Agricultural Association, José Azevedo, the Deputy Mayor of Angra do Heroísmo, Guido Teles, and the Mayor of Praia da Vitória, Vânia Ferreira, amongst other figures linked to the Azorean agricultural sector.
camera detail
more
Celebrações do Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas, na Embaixada de Portugal em Berlim
Nota de Imprensa
June 12, 2026 Artur Lima highlights in Berlin Azores' role as geopolitical and economic driving force for Portugal's global presence As part of the celebrations of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day, held at the Portuguese Embassy in Berlin, the Vice-President of the Regional Government highlighted the strategic importance of the Azores for Portugal’s global standing. Speaking to an audience of over 200 people, comprising members of the Portuguese community in Germany, diplomats and entrepreneurs, Artur Lima emphasised that the archipelago transforms Portugal into a true maritime power and serves as an irreplaceable bridge between Europe and the Americas. “Celebrating Portugal without looking to the Atlantic would be to forget our very origins. Therefore, I have come to speak to you of how Portugal extends Europe out into the middle of the ocean: I have come to speak to you of the Azores,” stated Artur Lima. In this regard, he utterly rejected the perception of the islands as isolated: “The Azores have never been on the periphery of Portugal; they were, and remain, its Atlantic heart.” After highlighting the historical importance the Azores have had for Portugal, the focus shifted to the present and the future. “The Azores are now the research hub for deep-sea science, and we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of the European space sector. We are the ultimate living laboratory for marine biotechnology, underwater robotics and the sustainable exploitation of ocean resources, as well as a leading force in safeguarding marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability,” he emphasised. During his speech, the Vice-President of the Government launched a challenge to the entrepreneurs and investors present, inviting them to invest in the Azores. “Portugal’s future is shaped from here: looking towards the horizon, always with the ambition of those who know that the sea does not separate us, but rather unites us. I assure the entrepreneurs and investors here today that we are ready to welcome your vision, your investment and your boldness,” he stressed. At the invitation of the Portuguese Ambassador to Berlin, Madalena Fischer, the Autonomous Region of the Azores, represented by the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, took part in the celebrations of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day, alongside the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Inês Domingos. The event also included a display of Azorean handicrafts and products, promoted with the support and participation of Invest in Azores, Azores Brand, the Azores Tourism and Hospitality School, and VisitAzores.
camera detail
more
Campanha “Viaje sem Pressa” sensibilizou cerca de 200 condutores em seis ilhas dos Açores
Nota de Imprensa
June 11, 2026 “Drive Safe” campaign raised awareness among 200 drivers across six islands in the Azores The road safety awareness campaign “Drive Safe,” which ran from June 2 to 8, covered six islands in the archipelago of the Azores, reaching around 200 drivers. Organised by the Public Security Police (PSP),  in collaboration with the Regional Sub-directorate for Land Transport, under the administration of the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, the initiative took place on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Graciosa, Faial and Flores. The activities were intended to promote responsible behaviour on the road, encouraging speed reduction and safe driving. The campaign was primarily intended to raise drivers’ awareness of the risks associated with speeding – one of the main causes of road accidents – and promote safer and defensive driving, encouraging compliance with speed limits. Reducing accidents on regional roads, raising awareness of the importance of safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and fostering a spirit of responsibility and prevention were other goals of this campaign, thereby contributing to safer roads in the Azores. Overall, the campaign reached 193 drivers, with 45 in São Miguel, 20 in Terceira, 15 in São Jorge, 10 in Graciosa, 48 in Faial and 55 in Flores. The “Drive Safe” campaign was well received by motorists, raising awareness of the importance of responsible and safe driving. This initiative is part of a series of measures aimed at promoting road safety in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with a view to reducing the number of accidents and protecting lives.
camera detail
more
Cerimónias do Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas
Nota de Imprensa
June 10, 2026 Azores regarded as “strategic territory” during Portugal Day celebrations, says José Manuel Bolieiro The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the ceremonies marking Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day, which were held in Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island. On the occasion, he highlighted the importance of the speeches delivered during the official session and the “recognition of the Azores’ significance.” The head of the Azorean Government welcomed the speeches delivered, believing that they reinforced the Azores’ standing in both the national and international contexts. “The speeches emphasised the importance of our Region and its strategic significance,” he noted. José Manuel Bolieiro also considered that the selection of the Azores to host this year’s celebrations “resonates deeply with the Azorean people,” considering it as a sign of recognition of the Region’s role in the Atlantic presence of Portugal. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the archipelago’s geographical position and its global geopolitical relevance, defending that the Azores are instrumental in linking different continents and strategic areas. “We regard our identity as a people and a territory as one of peace, cosmopolitanism and connection with the Western world,” he said. José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised that the Region serves as a bridge linking three continents, strengthening relations with Europe, the Americas and Africa. It also plays a coordinating role in the Atlantic region. “This location on Terceira Island and in the Azores was a very good choice,” he declared, also expressing his gratitude for the President of the Republic’s decision to hold the June 10 celebrations there. The President of the Regional Government of the Azores highlighted that the official speeches confirmed the “growing recognition” of the Azores’ strategic importance, when the Region celebrates 50 years of political autonomy.
camera detail
more
Marina de Ponta Delgada
Nota de Imprensa
June 10, 2026 Apps for Good Açores Regional Meeting brought together young innovators at Ponta Delgada Regional Conservatory This week, the Ponta Delgada Regional Conservatory hosted the Regional Apps for Good  Açores Meeting, an initiative organised by the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration (DREAE) as part of the implementation of the Apps for Good programme in schools across the Autonomous Region of the Azores. In the 2026 edition, 11 teams from seven schools on the islands of São Miguel, Pico and Terceira are participating. The projects presented covered social, environmental, and educational areas, demonstrating young Azoreans' ability to identify challenges and propose innovative technological solutions. Since the 2017/2018 academic year, this department has been developing the programme in partnership with CDI Portugal – Centre of Digital Inclusion, an NGO dedicated to social and digital inclusion and innovation, providing students with opportunities to develop digital, creative and entrepreneurial skills. Apps for Good challenged teams of students from middle to secondary school to design mobile apps that address social needs identified in their communities, within the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout the school year, participants worked on a project methodology divided into five stages, supported by an online platform. The regional meetings are valuable opportunities to share and evaluate the projects developed, leading to the selection of the finalist teams that will represent the Region at the national event, usually held in September. Among the solutions in competition were the following projects: Zen Sénior, from Canto da Maia Basic Education School; Encontra PET, from Capelas Basic Education School; Caritas Share, É Canja!!, Healthy Gamers, Mind Bloom and Floresta da Esperança, from Rabo de Peixe Basic Education School; ECOKIDS, from Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School; Elite Fishing, from São Roque do Pico Basic Education and Secondary School; Gravidez Informada, from Tomás de Borba Basic Education and Secondary School; and TravelBuddy, from Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade Secondary School. The awards for Basic Education School Finalist, Secondary School Finalist and the People’s Choice Award were presented during the ceremony.
more

HomeMapPortlet