Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
PICCOA ultrapassa 70 mil rastreios e reforça prevenção do cancro da cavidade oral nos Açores
PICCOA ultrapassa 70 mil rastreios e reforça prevenção do cancro da cavidade oral nos Açores
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Environmental awareness key to successful waste management in the Azores
Environmental awareness key to successful waste management in the Azores
Secretaria Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto
Regional Government allocates around €300,000 to support Philharmonic Societies
Regional Government allocates around €300,000 to support Philharmonic Societies
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government bolsters operational and technological capacity of PSP with investment exceeding €732,000
Regional Government bolsters operational and technological capacity of PSP with investment exceeding €732,000
Nota de Imprensa
July 27, 2026 PICCOA ultrapassa 70 mil rastreios e reforça prevenção do cancro da cavidade oral nos Açores Neste Dia Mundial do Cancro da Cabeça e do Pescoço, a Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, destaca o compromisso do Governo dos Açores com a prevenção e o diagnóstico precoce da doença, através do Programa de Intervenção no Cancro da Cavidade Oral nos Açores (PICCOA), uma iniciativa única em Portugal que tem vindo a apresentar resultados cada vez mais positivos. Coordenado pelo Centro de Oncologia dos Açores, o PICCOA tem como principal objetivo a deteção precoce de lesões pré-malignas e malignas da cavidade oral, permitindo um diagnóstico atempado e aumentando significativamente as possibilidades de sucesso do tratamento. No acumulado da segunda volta do programa (2022-2026), até 30 de junho de 2026, foram já realizados 38.351 rastreios, ultrapassando os 32.306 rastreios efetuados durante toda a primeira volta (2017-2021). Também a taxa de participação registou uma evolução muito positiva, passando de 27,1% na primeira edição para 30,9% na atual, refletindo uma crescente adesão da população açoriana a este importante programa de prevenção. A governante destaca ainda que os Açores continuam a ser a única região do país a dispor de um programa organizado de rastreio do cancro oral, assumindo uma posição de referência nesta área da saúde pública. O PICCOA contempla rastreios anuais dirigidos a grupos etários específicos, consultas de avaliação dos casos referenciados e a distribuição do Boletim Individual de Saúde Oral (BISO 40+), instrumento que reforça a vigilância clínica e facilita o encaminhamento célere dos utentes para tratamento especializado sempre que necessário. Este trabalho desenvolvido na Região tem igualmente merecido reconhecimento internacional, sendo já integrado na IARC Oral Cancer Screening Network, uma rede coordenada pela Agência Internacional para a Investigação do Cancro (IARC), organismo especializado da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), que reúne programas de rastreio do cancro oral de referência a nível mundial.
July 27, 2026 PICCOA ultrapassa 70 mil rastreios e reforça prevenção do cancro da cavidade oral nos Açores Neste Dia Mundial do Cancro da Cabeça e do Pescoço, a Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, destaca o compromisso do Governo dos Açores com a prevenção e o diagnóstico precoce da doença, através do Programa de Intervenção no Cancro da Cavidade Oral nos Açores (PICCOA), uma iniciativa única em Portugal que tem vindo a apresentar resultados cada vez mais positivos. Coordenado pelo Centro de Oncologia dos Açores, o PICCOA tem como principal objetivo a deteção precoce de lesões pré-malignas e malignas da cavidade oral, permitindo um diagnóstico atempado e aumentando significativamente as possibilidades de sucesso do tratamento. No acumulado da segunda volta do programa (2022-2026), até 30 de junho de 2026, foram já realizados 38.351 rastreios, ultrapassando os 32.306 rastreios efetuados durante toda a primeira volta (2017-2021). Também a taxa de participação registou uma evolução muito positiva, passando de 27,1% na primeira edição para 30,9% na atual, refletindo uma crescente adesão da população açoriana a este importante programa de prevenção. A governante destaca ainda que os Açores continuam a ser a única região do país a dispor de um programa organizado de rastreio do cancro oral, assumindo uma posição de referência nesta área da saúde pública. O PICCOA contempla rastreios anuais dirigidos a grupos etários específicos, consultas de avaliação dos casos referenciados e a distribuição do Boletim Individual de Saúde Oral (BISO 40+), instrumento que reforça a vigilância clínica e facilita o encaminhamento célere dos utentes para tratamento especializado sempre que necessário. Este trabalho desenvolvido na Região tem igualmente merecido reconhecimento internacional, sendo já integrado na IARC Oral Cancer Screening Network, uma rede coordenada pela Agência Internacional para a Investigação do Cancro (IARC), organismo especializado da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), que reúne programas de rastreio do cancro oral de referência a nível mundial.
Nota de Imprensa
July 27, 2026 Environmental awareness key to successful waste management in the Azores The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired last Friday the launch of the second edition of the “Menu: Sort Every Time” on the island of Terceira, an initiative promoted in partnership with Novo Verde society and aimed at the HORECA sector (hotels, restaurants and similar establishments). On the occasion, he highlighted the importance of environmental awareness for the consolidation of the circular economy and the results achieved by the Region in waste management. For Alonso Miguel, “this initiative, in partnership with Novo Verde, "Menu: Sort Every Time," aimed at the HORECA sector and now in its second edition, represents another excellent opportunity to raise environmental awareness, aligned with the goals set out in the Azores’ Circular Economy Agenda.” The government official emphasised that “the focus on environmental education and literacy has been a priority for the Azorean Government, through the provision of School Environmental Awareness Activities, Regional Environmental Education Meetings and thematic campaigns launched annually, often in partnership with other organisations, such as Azores Waste Week. These initiatives cover all age groups and the various sectors of society.” The Regional Secretary noted that “this commitment has been one of the key drivers behind the progress made in waste management in the Azores, as confirmed once again by the findings released in the recently published 2025 Annual Report on Municipal Waste.” Alonso Miguel highlighted that, in 2025, about 82% of the waste produced in the Region was forwarded for recovery operations, and the rate of preparation for reuse and recycling in the Region had grown once again, reaching 49%, placing the Region in a leading position at a national level. Additionally, landfill disposal also registered another historic reduction, now accounting for just 18% of the total urban waste produced, compared with 44.9% in 2020.” “These results show that we are heading in the right direction, confirming the success of an appropriate strategy that is producing tangible and measurable results,” he emphasised. The government official stressed that “the circular economy is built on cooperation, trust and the ability of each party to fulfil its responsibilities,” reiterating that the Regional Government “will continue to play an active role in bringing this vision to life." Alonso Miguel added that “the ‘Menu: Sort Every Time’ initiative is aligned with the goals of the Agenda for the Circular Economy of the Azores and the Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for Azore 20+ (PEPGRA 20+). It is further reinforced by the recently approved legal scheme for waste prevention and management in the Azores. These instruments reflect an integrated vision based on prevention, reuse, recycling and the recovery of resources.” Alonso Miguel acknowledged, however, “that legislation alone is not enough to bring about the transition to a circular economy model.” In this regard, he defended that “real change happens when day-to-day decisions are in line with this vision, whether it is a business sorting its waste correctly, when a local authority invests in the quality of separate waste collection, when a company redesigns packaging to make recycling easier, or when a citizen realises that sorting waste is not the end of a process, but rather the begining of a new value cycle.” The Regional Secretary for the Environment also noted that “on islands such as those in the Region, the circular economy is not merely a possibility, but an absolute necessity. It is not just an environmental policy, but a new way of thinking about the future, where economic growth, competitiveness, innovation and the protection of nature go hand in hand.” He continued: “The Azores will be all the more sustainable the greater our ability to transform resources into value, challenges into innovation and geographical limitations into opportunities. Only then will the Azores become an international benchmark for sustainability in an island context, with a model of sustainable development for future generations.” Alonso Miguel concluded by highlighting “the role that community-based and awareness-raising initiatives play in consolidating this path,” emphasising that “events such as this campaign are a key vehicle for promoting behavioural change and an important contribution to continuing the successful journey towards waste management in the Azores.” The “Menu: Sort Every Time - HORECA Channel” campaign was developed exclusively for the Azores by Novo Verde in collaboration with the Regional Government of the Azores, focusing on proper waste sorting. As part of this initiative, eco-bag kits will be distributed to more than 900 commercial establishments across the nine islands of the Azores.
July 27, 2026 Environmental awareness key to successful waste management in the Azores The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired last Friday the launch of the second edition of the “Menu: Sort Every Time” on the island of Terceira, an initiative promoted in partnership with Novo Verde society and aimed at the HORECA sector (hotels, restaurants and similar establishments). On the occasion, he highlighted the importance of environmental awareness for the consolidation of the circular economy and the results achieved by the Region in waste management. For Alonso Miguel, “this initiative, in partnership with Novo Verde, "Menu: Sort Every Time," aimed at the HORECA sector and now in its second edition, represents another excellent opportunity to raise environmental awareness, aligned with the goals set out in the Azores’ Circular Economy Agenda.” The government official emphasised that “the focus on environmental education and literacy has been a priority for the Azorean Government, through the provision of School Environmental Awareness Activities, Regional Environmental Education Meetings and thematic campaigns launched annually, often in partnership with other organisations, such as Azores Waste Week. These initiatives cover all age groups and the various sectors of society.” The Regional Secretary noted that “this commitment has been one of the key drivers behind the progress made in waste management in the Azores, as confirmed once again by the findings released in the recently published 2025 Annual Report on Municipal Waste.” Alonso Miguel highlighted that, in 2025, about 82% of the waste produced in the Region was forwarded for recovery operations, and the rate of preparation for reuse and recycling in the Region had grown once again, reaching 49%, placing the Region in a leading position at a national level. Additionally, landfill disposal also registered another historic reduction, now accounting for just 18% of the total urban waste produced, compared with 44.9% in 2020.” “These results show that we are heading in the right direction, confirming the success of an appropriate strategy that is producing tangible and measurable results,” he emphasised. The government official stressed that “the circular economy is built on cooperation, trust and the ability of each party to fulfil its responsibilities,” reiterating that the Regional Government “will continue to play an active role in bringing this vision to life." Alonso Miguel added that “the ‘Menu: Sort Every Time’ initiative is aligned with the goals of the Agenda for the Circular Economy of the Azores and the Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for Azore 20+ (PEPGRA 20+). It is further reinforced by the recently approved legal scheme for waste prevention and management in the Azores. These instruments reflect an integrated vision based on prevention, reuse, recycling and the recovery of resources.” Alonso Miguel acknowledged, however, “that legislation alone is not enough to bring about the transition to a circular economy model.” In this regard, he defended that “real change happens when day-to-day decisions are in line with this vision, whether it is a business sorting its waste correctly, when a local authority invests in the quality of separate waste collection, when a company redesigns packaging to make recycling easier, or when a citizen realises that sorting waste is not the end of a process, but rather the begining of a new value cycle.” The Regional Secretary for the Environment also noted that “on islands such as those in the Region, the circular economy is not merely a possibility, but an absolute necessity. It is not just an environmental policy, but a new way of thinking about the future, where economic growth, competitiveness, innovation and the protection of nature go hand in hand.” He continued: “The Azores will be all the more sustainable the greater our ability to transform resources into value, challenges into innovation and geographical limitations into opportunities. Only then will the Azores become an international benchmark for sustainability in an island context, with a model of sustainable development for future generations.” Alonso Miguel concluded by highlighting “the role that community-based and awareness-raising initiatives play in consolidating this path,” emphasising that “events such as this campaign are a key vehicle for promoting behavioural change and an important contribution to continuing the successful journey towards waste management in the Azores.” The “Menu: Sort Every Time - HORECA Channel” campaign was developed exclusively for the Azores by Novo Verde in collaboration with the Regional Government of the Azores, focusing on proper waste sorting. As part of this initiative, eco-bag kits will be distributed to more than 900 commercial establishments across the nine islands of the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
July 25, 2026 Regional Government allocates around €300,000 to support Philharmonic Societies The Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport has allocated €299,976.08 to the philharmonic societies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores as part of SOREFIL, a support scheme for recreational and philharmonic societies. The support was published in the Official Journal this Friday, July 24. The funding allocated under this order shows that around €123,000 was granted for the purchase of musical instruments, around €70,000 for uniforms and around €12,500 for sheet music. In addition, over €9,000 was allocated to support the conservation, maintenance and repair of musical instruments, around €70,000 was allocated to cover conductors’ fees, and around €14,000 was allocated to cover utility costs for recreational and philharmonic societies with their own premises, as well as those engaged in regular cultural activities. The SOREFIL programme aims to support the activities of music bands belonging to recreational and philharmonic societies in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, promoting not only their development but also new initiatives that contribute to personal fulfilment and the improvement of the cultural standards of the communities where they are based.
July 25, 2026 Regional Government allocates around €300,000 to support Philharmonic Societies The Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport has allocated €299,976.08 to the philharmonic societies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores as part of SOREFIL, a support scheme for recreational and philharmonic societies. The support was published in the Official Journal this Friday, July 24. The funding allocated under this order shows that around €123,000 was granted for the purchase of musical instruments, around €70,000 for uniforms and around €12,500 for sheet music. In addition, over €9,000 was allocated to support the conservation, maintenance and repair of musical instruments, around €70,000 was allocated to cover conductors’ fees, and around €14,000 was allocated to cover utility costs for recreational and philharmonic societies with their own premises, as well as those engaged in regular cultural activities. The SOREFIL programme aims to support the activities of music bands belonging to recreational and philharmonic societies in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, promoting not only their development but also new initiatives that contribute to personal fulfilment and the improvement of the cultural standards of the communities where they are based.
Nota de Imprensa
July 25, 2026 Regional Government bolsters operational and technological capacity of PSP with investment exceeding €732,000 The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, handed over new vehicles to the Public Security Police (PSP) on Friday and formally awarded the contract for the refurbishment and adaptation of the building that will house the Forensic Technical Police Section and the future Evidence Room, representing a total investment exceeding €732,000. This investment represents a further step in the Regional Government’s strategy to continuously strengthen the human, technical and logistical resources allocated to public security, contributing to a more effective, modern and community-focused police response. On this occasion, Berta Cabral highlighted the strong institutional cooperation between the Azorean Government and PSP, noting that this moment symbolises “a clear and consistent commitment to modernising security forces and strengthening their response capacity to current challenges.” The government official emphasised that security is one of the key pillars of the Region’s quality of life, social cohesion and economic competitiveness, noting that the Azores continue to establish themselves as a safe region thanks to the efforts of security forces and ongoing investment in resources and infrastructure. “This investment reflects the Regional Government’s recognition of the exemplary work carried out daily by PSP officers, who ensure the protection of people and property, promote public peace and reinforce citizens’ trust in institutions,” she said. Berta Cabral recalled that security forces play a crucial role in upholding the democratic rule of law, praising the strong sense of mission, professionalism, community engagement and adaptability demonstrated by PSP in the Azores, particularly in an archipelago region that demands highly challenging and tailored responses. Cooperation between the Azorean Government, through the Regional Land Transport Fund (FRTT), PSP and the National Republican Guard (GNR), is implemented through a memorandum of understanding that channels revenue from road traffic fines into strategic investments in equipment, vehicles and infrastructure to support policing activities. Thanks to this mechanism, significant investments have been made in modernising the operational resources of the Region’s security forces, including the acquisition of patrol cars, off-road vehicles, criminal investigation vehicles, motorcycles, speed cameras, IT equipment, forensic equipment and various items of operational support equipment, representing a financial commitment that now totals several million Euros. As part of today's ceremony, two marked patrol vehicles, representing an investment of €77,663.90, and a criminal investigation vehicle, priced at €29,521.98, were handed over to PSP. These new resources will enhance the mobility and operational readiness of PSP, increasing its capacity for on-the-ground intervention and providing better conditions for carrying out police duties, thereby improving security and the quality of the service provided to the Azorean population. The ceremony also marked the formal signing of the contract for the refurbishment and adaptation of the building to house the Forensic Technical Police Section and the future Evidence Room, representing an investment of €625,092.87. According to Berta Cabral, this project represents a strategic investment in the future of criminal investigation in the Azores, providing PSP with modern, specialised facilities equipped with the technology required to meet the growing demands of contemporary crime. The new infrastructure will significantly improve the conditions for conducting technical and forensic examinations, collecting, handling and preserving evidence, as well as managing and storing evidence, thereby contributing to greater efficiency in investigation processes and better support for the justice system. “We are not merely renovating a building. We are investing in improving the quality of criminal investigations, the technical capabilities of PSP, and in creating better conditions for combating crime and protecting citizens,” she emphasised. The Regional Secretary also pointed out that investing in security is about investing in public confidence, economic development and the overall attractiveness of the Region, thus creating the conditions for PSP officers to carry out their duties more effectively, with greater dignity and in safer conditions. “Security is a fundamental collective good and a shared responsibility. Therefore, we will continue to play an active role in bolstering the capabilities of our security forces."
July 25, 2026 Regional Government bolsters operational and technological capacity of PSP with investment exceeding €732,000 The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, handed over new vehicles to the Public Security Police (PSP) on Friday and formally awarded the contract for the refurbishment and adaptation of the building that will house the Forensic Technical Police Section and the future Evidence Room, representing a total investment exceeding €732,000. This investment represents a further step in the Regional Government’s strategy to continuously strengthen the human, technical and logistical resources allocated to public security, contributing to a more effective, modern and community-focused police response. On this occasion, Berta Cabral highlighted the strong institutional cooperation between the Azorean Government and PSP, noting that this moment symbolises “a clear and consistent commitment to modernising security forces and strengthening their response capacity to current challenges.” The government official emphasised that security is one of the key pillars of the Region’s quality of life, social cohesion and economic competitiveness, noting that the Azores continue to establish themselves as a safe region thanks to the efforts of security forces and ongoing investment in resources and infrastructure. “This investment reflects the Regional Government’s recognition of the exemplary work carried out daily by PSP officers, who ensure the protection of people and property, promote public peace and reinforce citizens’ trust in institutions,” she said. Berta Cabral recalled that security forces play a crucial role in upholding the democratic rule of law, praising the strong sense of mission, professionalism, community engagement and adaptability demonstrated by PSP in the Azores, particularly in an archipelago region that demands highly challenging and tailored responses. Cooperation between the Azorean Government, through the Regional Land Transport Fund (FRTT), PSP and the National Republican Guard (GNR), is implemented through a memorandum of understanding that channels revenue from road traffic fines into strategic investments in equipment, vehicles and infrastructure to support policing activities. Thanks to this mechanism, significant investments have been made in modernising the operational resources of the Region’s security forces, including the acquisition of patrol cars, off-road vehicles, criminal investigation vehicles, motorcycles, speed cameras, IT equipment, forensic equipment and various items of operational support equipment, representing a financial commitment that now totals several million Euros. As part of today's ceremony, two marked patrol vehicles, representing an investment of €77,663.90, and a criminal investigation vehicle, priced at €29,521.98, were handed over to PSP. These new resources will enhance the mobility and operational readiness of PSP, increasing its capacity for on-the-ground intervention and providing better conditions for carrying out police duties, thereby improving security and the quality of the service provided to the Azorean population. The ceremony also marked the formal signing of the contract for the refurbishment and adaptation of the building to house the Forensic Technical Police Section and the future Evidence Room, representing an investment of €625,092.87. According to Berta Cabral, this project represents a strategic investment in the future of criminal investigation in the Azores, providing PSP with modern, specialised facilities equipped with the technology required to meet the growing demands of contemporary crime. The new infrastructure will significantly improve the conditions for conducting technical and forensic examinations, collecting, handling and preserving evidence, as well as managing and storing evidence, thereby contributing to greater efficiency in investigation processes and better support for the justice system. “We are not merely renovating a building. We are investing in improving the quality of criminal investigations, the technical capabilities of PSP, and in creating better conditions for combating crime and protecting citizens,” she emphasised. The Regional Secretary also pointed out that investing in security is about investing in public confidence, economic development and the overall attractiveness of the Region, thus creating the conditions for PSP officers to carry out their duties more effectively, with greater dignity and in safer conditions. “Security is a fundamental collective good and a shared responsibility. Therefore, we will continue to play an active role in bolstering the capabilities of our security forces."
Nota de Imprensa
July 24, 2026 Regional Government highlights RRP-supported private investment as driving force of modernisation of Azorean agrifood industry The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, highlighted the impact of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) on the structural transformation of Azorean agriculture, emphasising that public investment is boosting private initiative, the modernisation of farms and the competitiveness of the regional agrifood industry. The remarks were made during a visit to Pomar dos Biscoitos, a farm located in the parish of Biscoitos on Terceira Island, as part of the follow-up to investments supported by the RRP. The company, which represents the entrepreneurial spirit within the Azorean agricultural sector, has invested €367,000 to boost its production capacity and develop the production of ready-to-eat vegetables, combining fruit production with agrifood processing and the promotion of regional products. Pomar dos Biscoitos is dedicated to the cultivation of various fruit and vegetable species, with a particular focus on citrus production – notably mandarins from traditional orchards on Terceira Island – whilst also carrying out processing activities through the production of sweets, jams, jellies and marmalades. At the same time, it handles the distribution and sale of fruit and vegetables, establishing itself as a business venture that combines tradition, innovation and a distinctive approach. This investment is part of component C05-i05-RAA – Economic Revitalisation of Azorean Agriculture under the RRP, which is investing €34 million in the modernisation of Azorean agriculture, contributing to boosting the productive capacity, competitiveness and innovation of businesses in the sector. Under Action 05/C05-i05-RAA/2022 – Support Schemes for Processing and Marketing Companies, with a budget of €10.4 million, investments by19 Azorean companies have been approved, representing an overall investment of €14.4 million, benefiting from an 80% funding rate. The projects cover strategic sectors of the regional agrifood economy, namely dairy products, wine, food distribution, ornamental floriculture and agrifood innovation, demonstrating the capacity of private Azorean companies for investment, modernisation and diversification. For António Ventura, the RRP is a strategic opportunity to accelerate the modernisation of the Azorean agricultural sector, encouraging companies to invest in more efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced solutions. "The RRP represents a strategic investment in our agricultural businesses. In supporting private investment, we are creating the conditions for producers to be more competitive, innovative and better prepared to meet the challenges of the future, whilst strengthening production capacity, sustainability and the added value of Azorean agricultural production," he emphasised. The implementation of the RRP in agriculture continues at a high level, underpinned by the mobilisation of private investment as a driver of competitiveness and modernisation in the sector. So far, three of the four targets in Group A and all four targets in Group B have been achieved. António Ventura concluded by expressing confidence in Azorean entrepreneurs, calling for continued investment and the full use of the available financing mechanisms. “We want to continue to encourage agricultural entrepreneurs to invest, innovate and believe in the potential of Azorean agriculture. The Government of the Azores will continue to be an active partner to private companies, creating the conditions for them to grow, generate wealth, create jobs and increasingly demonstrate the quality and excellence of our products in the markets,” he concluded.
July 24, 2026 Regional Government highlights RRP-supported private investment as driving force of modernisation of Azorean agrifood industry The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, highlighted the impact of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) on the structural transformation of Azorean agriculture, emphasising that public investment is boosting private initiative, the modernisation of farms and the competitiveness of the regional agrifood industry. The remarks were made during a visit to Pomar dos Biscoitos, a farm located in the parish of Biscoitos on Terceira Island, as part of the follow-up to investments supported by the RRP. The company, which represents the entrepreneurial spirit within the Azorean agricultural sector, has invested €367,000 to boost its production capacity and develop the production of ready-to-eat vegetables, combining fruit production with agrifood processing and the promotion of regional products. Pomar dos Biscoitos is dedicated to the cultivation of various fruit and vegetable species, with a particular focus on citrus production – notably mandarins from traditional orchards on Terceira Island – whilst also carrying out processing activities through the production of sweets, jams, jellies and marmalades. At the same time, it handles the distribution and sale of fruit and vegetables, establishing itself as a business venture that combines tradition, innovation and a distinctive approach. This investment is part of component C05-i05-RAA – Economic Revitalisation of Azorean Agriculture under the RRP, which is investing €34 million in the modernisation of Azorean agriculture, contributing to boosting the productive capacity, competitiveness and innovation of businesses in the sector. Under Action 05/C05-i05-RAA/2022 – Support Schemes for Processing and Marketing Companies, with a budget of €10.4 million, investments by19 Azorean companies have been approved, representing an overall investment of €14.4 million, benefiting from an 80% funding rate. The projects cover strategic sectors of the regional agrifood economy, namely dairy products, wine, food distribution, ornamental floriculture and agrifood innovation, demonstrating the capacity of private Azorean companies for investment, modernisation and diversification. For António Ventura, the RRP is a strategic opportunity to accelerate the modernisation of the Azorean agricultural sector, encouraging companies to invest in more efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced solutions. "The RRP represents a strategic investment in our agricultural businesses. In supporting private investment, we are creating the conditions for producers to be more competitive, innovative and better prepared to meet the challenges of the future, whilst strengthening production capacity, sustainability and the added value of Azorean agricultural production," he emphasised. The implementation of the RRP in agriculture continues at a high level, underpinned by the mobilisation of private investment as a driver of competitiveness and modernisation in the sector. So far, three of the four targets in Group A and all four targets in Group B have been achieved. António Ventura concluded by expressing confidence in Azorean entrepreneurs, calling for continued investment and the full use of the available financing mechanisms. “We want to continue to encourage agricultural entrepreneurs to invest, innovate and believe in the potential of Azorean agriculture. The Government of the Azores will continue to be an active partner to private companies, creating the conditions for them to grow, generate wealth, create jobs and increasingly demonstrate the quality and excellence of our products in the markets,” he concluded.
