Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights 36.6% growth and advocates Azores as region of opportunity
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights 36.6% growth and advocates Azores as region of opportunity
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Governo dos Açores promove ciclo de ‘webinares’ dedicado à promoção da longevidade saudável
Governo dos Açores promove ciclo de ‘webinares’ dedicado à promoção da longevidade saudável
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Maria João Carreiro destaca reforçada visibilidade e credibilidade do Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais e anuncia nova oferta formativa para 2026/2027
Maria João Carreiro destaca reforçada visibilidade e credibilidade do Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais e anuncia nova oferta formativa para 2026/2027
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security clarifies temporary disruptions to Azores Health Line
Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security clarifies temporary disruptions to Azores Health Line
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights 36.6% growth and advocates Azores as region of opportunity The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, advocated today a strategic vision for the Region’s future, based on capitalising on the Azores’ Atlantic location, economic diversification and a focus on new economic sectors. He spoke during the opening session of the “Conference of Regions – Ponta Delgada,” organised by the "Diário de Notícias" and "Açoriano Oriental" newspapers at the Vila Galé Collection Hotel in Ponta Delgada. The initiative brought together political leaders, experts and representatives from various sectors to discuss the present and future of the Azores, with a programme focusing on the challenges of competitiveness, sustainability, Atlantic security and the use of European funds. The head of the Azorean Government considered that current international challenges, marked by geopolitical instability, technological transformations, the climate and energy transition, and the reorganisation of global priorities, require governance with a strategic vision and the capacity for medium- and long-term planning. “The future prosperity of the Azores will depend on its economic diversification, sustainability and the development of our strategic position in the Atlantic,” he said. The President of the Regional Government emphasised that the Azores are today “establishing themselves as an Atlantic platform of opportunities.” In this regard, he advocated for a Region with “growing centrality” in the areas of security, defence, digital connectivity, scientific research, energy, the blue economy, the green economy and the space economy. “The Atlantic has returned to the centre of international priorities,” he declared, adding that the Azores, despite their outermost region status in the context of continental Europe, are central to the North Atlantic and transatlantic relations. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this reality represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for the Region, Portugal, the European Union and NATO. “We do not want the Azores to be merely regarded as a region of needs. We want to promote the Azores as a region of opportunities,” he stated. The government official also highlighted the role of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) as a decisive instrument for the Region’s structural transformation, noting that the programme represents a global allocation of €725 million. He pointed out that, by the end of 2025, 9,455 applications had already been approved, 49 tenders had been launched, and 60 construction projects had been implemented or completed, corresponding to an investment of over €266 million. José Manuel Bolieiro also mentioned the acquisition of over 57,000 pieces of equipment and 144 vehicles, including 123 electric models, defending that the RRP is having a tangible impact on people’s lives and bolstering regional capacity. “More important than the figures is what these investments represent in people’s everyday lives,” he emphasised. Among the examples mentioned, the President of the Regional Government highlighted investments in housing, with houses already built and renovated, free childcare vacancies benefiting over 14,500 children, the continued modernisation of the Regional Health Service and the delivery of over 37,000 digital devices to Azorean schools. Furthermore, he underlined the significant progress made in energy transition, through the SOLENERGE and PROENERGIA programmes, and the expansion of the Region’s geothermal capacity. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the economic and social indicators achieved in recent years, noting that the regional Gross Domestic Product grew by around 36.6% between 2019 and 2025, whilst the number of people in employment increased and the unemployment rate fell to levels below the national average. Regarding tourism, he highlighted the sector’s consolidation as one of the driving forces of the Azorean economy, currently accounting for around 17% of regional GDP, 16% of employment and 20% of Gross Value Added. The conference continued with the panel “RRP and the Azores 2030 – The potential for transformation,” featuring Teresa Borges Tiago and Bruno Belo, moderated by Filipe Alves. This was followed by a discussion on the theme “The Azores as a pillar of security in the North Atlantic,” led by Ana Miguel dos Santos and Admiral António Silva Ribeiro, focusing on the Region’s geostrategic importance in the current international context. The final panel of the initiative addressed “The Azores on the path to competitiveness, diversification and sustainability,” bringing together Luís Rebelo de Sousa, Miguel Netto de Viveiros and Pedro Machado, once again moderated by Filipe Alves. At the end of his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his confidence in the future of the Region. “The Azores must not look to the future with fear. They must look to it with strategic ambition, confidence and a sense of community. Because we have value,” he declared.
May 12, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights 36.6% growth and advocates Azores as region of opportunity The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, advocated today a strategic vision for the Region’s future, based on capitalising on the Azores’ Atlantic location, economic diversification and a focus on new economic sectors. He spoke during the opening session of the “Conference of Regions – Ponta Delgada,” organised by the "Diário de Notícias" and "Açoriano Oriental" newspapers at the Vila Galé Collection Hotel in Ponta Delgada. The initiative brought together political leaders, experts and representatives from various sectors to discuss the present and future of the Azores, with a programme focusing on the challenges of competitiveness, sustainability, Atlantic security and the use of European funds. The head of the Azorean Government considered that current international challenges, marked by geopolitical instability, technological transformations, the climate and energy transition, and the reorganisation of global priorities, require governance with a strategic vision and the capacity for medium- and long-term planning. “The future prosperity of the Azores will depend on its economic diversification, sustainability and the development of our strategic position in the Atlantic,” he said. The President of the Regional Government emphasised that the Azores are today “establishing themselves as an Atlantic platform of opportunities.” In this regard, he advocated for a Region with “growing centrality” in the areas of security, defence, digital connectivity, scientific research, energy, the blue economy, the green economy and the space economy. “The Atlantic has returned to the centre of international priorities,” he declared, adding that the Azores, despite their outermost region status in the context of continental Europe, are central to the North Atlantic and transatlantic relations. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this reality represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for the Region, Portugal, the European Union and NATO. “We do not want the Azores to be merely regarded as a region of needs. We want to promote the Azores as a region of opportunities,” he stated. The government official also highlighted the role of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) as a decisive instrument for the Region’s structural transformation, noting that the programme represents a global allocation of €725 million. He pointed out that, by the end of 2025, 9,455 applications had already been approved, 49 tenders had been launched, and 60 construction projects had been implemented or completed, corresponding to an investment of over €266 million. José Manuel Bolieiro also mentioned the acquisition of over 57,000 pieces of equipment and 144 vehicles, including 123 electric models, defending that the RRP is having a tangible impact on people’s lives and bolstering regional capacity. “More important than the figures is what these investments represent in people’s everyday lives,” he emphasised. Among the examples mentioned, the President of the Regional Government highlighted investments in housing, with houses already built and renovated, free childcare vacancies benefiting over 14,500 children, the continued modernisation of the Regional Health Service and the delivery of over 37,000 digital devices to Azorean schools. Furthermore, he underlined the significant progress made in energy transition, through the SOLENERGE and PROENERGIA programmes, and the expansion of the Region’s geothermal capacity. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the economic and social indicators achieved in recent years, noting that the regional Gross Domestic Product grew by around 36.6% between 2019 and 2025, whilst the number of people in employment increased and the unemployment rate fell to levels below the national average. Regarding tourism, he highlighted the sector’s consolidation as one of the driving forces of the Azorean economy, currently accounting for around 17% of regional GDP, 16% of employment and 20% of Gross Value Added. The conference continued with the panel “RRP and the Azores 2030 – The potential for transformation,” featuring Teresa Borges Tiago and Bruno Belo, moderated by Filipe Alves. This was followed by a discussion on the theme “The Azores as a pillar of security in the North Atlantic,” led by Ana Miguel dos Santos and Admiral António Silva Ribeiro, focusing on the Region’s geostrategic importance in the current international context. The final panel of the initiative addressed “The Azores on the path to competitiveness, diversification and sustainability,” bringing together Luís Rebelo de Sousa, Miguel Netto de Viveiros and Pedro Machado, once again moderated by Filipe Alves. At the end of his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his confidence in the future of the Region. “The Azores must not look to the future with fear. They must look to it with strategic ambition, confidence and a sense of community. Because we have value,” he declared.
Nota de Imprensa
May 13, 2026 Governo dos Açores promove ciclo de ‘webinares’ dedicado à promoção da longevidade saudável No âmbito do Programa Regional para a Promoção do Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável, integrado no Plano Regional de Saúde 2030, terá lugar, no próximo dia 21 de maio, entre as 14h00 e as 15h30, o primeiro ‘webinar’ de um ciclo dedicado à promoção da longevidade saudável, subordinado ao tema “Longevidade Ativa: O exercício físico transforma o envelhecimento”. Esta iniciativa gratuita, em formato ‘online’ e com inscrição obrigatória, pretende sensibilizar para a importância da prática regular de atividade física como fator determinante para um envelhecimento ativo, saudável e com melhor qualidade de vida. Dirigido a profissionais de saúde, profissionais do setor social e ao público em geral, este primeiro ‘webinar’ reunirá especialistas e entidades de referência nacional e regional, proporcionando um espaço de reflexão, partilha de conhecimento e componente prática sobre o papel do exercício físico na promoção da saúde ao longo da vida. O programa inclui intervenções de Pedro Morouço, Diretor do Programa Nacional para a Promoção da Atividade Física da Direção-Geral da Saúde, sobre o papel da atividade física no envelhecimento ativo; Isabel Mendes, da Direção Regional do Desporto, sobre programas de exercício físico e respostas por ilha; André Fernandes, da Portugal Activo - Associação de Clubes de Fitness e Saúde, sobre a promoção da atividade física em contexto comunitário; e Luciana Silva, da Direção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas, que dinamizará uma sessão prática de exercício físico. Com uma duração aproximada de 1h30, a sessão incluirá momentos de partilha, interação com os participantes e uma componente prática, reforçando a importância de estilos de vida ativos como instrumento de prevenção, autonomia e bem-estar ao longo do processo de envelhecimento. Este momento assinala o arranque de um ciclo de ‘webinars’ sobre longevidade saudável a desenvolver ao longo de 2026, no âmbito do Plano Regional de Saúde 2030, abordando diferentes dimensões essenciais ao envelhecimento, incluindo a prevenção das dependências e o impacto da solidão na saúde física, mental e social. A participação é gratuita, mediante inscrição obrigatória através do formulário disponível em https://forms.office.com/e/auLKtiN4fi Para mais informações, os interessados poderão contactar a organização através do endereço eletrónico [email protected].
May 13, 2026 Governo dos Açores promove ciclo de ‘webinares’ dedicado à promoção da longevidade saudável No âmbito do Programa Regional para a Promoção do Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável, integrado no Plano Regional de Saúde 2030, terá lugar, no próximo dia 21 de maio, entre as 14h00 e as 15h30, o primeiro ‘webinar’ de um ciclo dedicado à promoção da longevidade saudável, subordinado ao tema “Longevidade Ativa: O exercício físico transforma o envelhecimento”. Esta iniciativa gratuita, em formato ‘online’ e com inscrição obrigatória, pretende sensibilizar para a importância da prática regular de atividade física como fator determinante para um envelhecimento ativo, saudável e com melhor qualidade de vida. Dirigido a profissionais de saúde, profissionais do setor social e ao público em geral, este primeiro ‘webinar’ reunirá especialistas e entidades de referência nacional e regional, proporcionando um espaço de reflexão, partilha de conhecimento e componente prática sobre o papel do exercício físico na promoção da saúde ao longo da vida. O programa inclui intervenções de Pedro Morouço, Diretor do Programa Nacional para a Promoção da Atividade Física da Direção-Geral da Saúde, sobre o papel da atividade física no envelhecimento ativo; Isabel Mendes, da Direção Regional do Desporto, sobre programas de exercício físico e respostas por ilha; André Fernandes, da Portugal Activo - Associação de Clubes de Fitness e Saúde, sobre a promoção da atividade física em contexto comunitário; e Luciana Silva, da Direção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas, que dinamizará uma sessão prática de exercício físico. Com uma duração aproximada de 1h30, a sessão incluirá momentos de partilha, interação com os participantes e uma componente prática, reforçando a importância de estilos de vida ativos como instrumento de prevenção, autonomia e bem-estar ao longo do processo de envelhecimento. Este momento assinala o arranque de um ciclo de ‘webinars’ sobre longevidade saudável a desenvolver ao longo de 2026, no âmbito do Plano Regional de Saúde 2030, abordando diferentes dimensões essenciais ao envelhecimento, incluindo a prevenção das dependências e o impacto da solidão na saúde física, mental e social. A participação é gratuita, mediante inscrição obrigatória através do formulário disponível em https://forms.office.com/e/auLKtiN4fi Para mais informações, os interessados poderão contactar a organização através do endereço eletrónico [email protected].
Nota de Imprensa
May 13, 2026 Maria João Carreiro destaca reforçada visibilidade e credibilidade do Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais e anuncia nova oferta formativa para 2026/2027 A Secretária Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, Maria João Carreiro, anunciou esta terça-feira, em Ponta Delgada, que estão em oferta nas Escolas Profissionais dos Açores para o ano letivo 2026/2027 um total de 58 novos cursos profissionais de nível 4. No conjunto destes 58 novos cursos em oferta, de 21 áreas profissionais, estão a ser disponibilizadas pelas Escolas Profissionais mais de mil vagas para jovens que decidam prosseguir estudos numa via profissionalizante que confere dupla certificação – escolar e profissional. Maria João Carreiro falava na Feira da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços dos Açores – FICSA, onde estão a decorrer as sessões “A Tua Primeira Escolha – Lab – À descoberta das profissões” e onde esteve acompanhada pelo Diretor Regional de Qualificação Profissional e Emprego, Renato Medeiros; pelo presidente da Direção da AEPA - Associação de Escolas Profissionais dos Açores, João Moniz; e pelo Vice-Presidente da ANESPO – Associação Nacional de Escolas Profissionais, Domingos Borges. “Mais do que o número de cursos ou de vagas, o que importa destacar é diversidade de oferta formativa, que reflete um esforço por parte das Escolas Profissionais para adequar a sua oferta formativa às necessidades das empresas e aos interesses dos jovens”, disse. A Secretária Regional frisou que o Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais é hoje uma resposta “cada vez mais valorizada pelos jovens, famílias e empresas”, razão pela qual, destacou, “o Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais está hoje com reforçada visibilidade e credibilidade”. Na ocasião, a governante lembrou que já está a decorrer a campanha “A Tua Primeira Escolha”, com comunicação de rua e digital (redes sociais), promovida anualmente, desde 2023, pelo Governo dos Açores para sensibilizar os jovens e famílias para as oportunidades e vantagens do ensino profissional, através do qual os jovens podem entrar diretamente para o mercado de trabalho ou prosseguir estudos no Ensino Superior. Este ano, o foco da campanha, que funciona numa lógica complementar à comunicação das escolas e da sua oferta formativa, está na diversidade das áreas de formação nos cursos de nível 4, na dignificação das profissões e na sensibilização dos jovens para a importância das competências para serem bons profissionais. “Uma eletricista com formação será, seguramente, um eletricista mais completo e com maior margem de crescimento do que um eletricista sem formação. O mesmo em relação a todas as profissões. As nossas empresas precisam de mais jovens com as competências, o saber-fazer, a confiança e a autonomia que o ensino profissional promove”, defendeu. É também no âmbito desta campanha que estão a decorrer na FICSA as sessões “A Tua Primeira Escolha Lab – À descoberta das profissões”, com demonstrações diárias, ao vivo e interativas de profissões e áreas profissionais com formandos do ensino profissionais. As sessões terminam amanhã, quinta-feira, dia 14. Através destas sessões, promovidas pelo Governo dos Açores em estreita cooperação com as Escolas Profissionais, os jovens têm a oportunidade não só de se verem de perto como se trabalha ou o que se aprende numa determinada profissão, identificando afinidades que muitas vezes não descobririam apenas através da teoria, mas também de tirar dúvidas com os formandos e formadores sobre os percursos formativos de cada curso profissional. Maria João Carreiro congratulou, ainda, as Escolas Profissionais da Região pela pronta disponibilidade para articular a oferta formativa para o ano letivo 2026/2027, num trabalho conjunto, franco e permanente com o Governo dos Açores que beneficia os jovens, as famílias, a economia e a afirmação do Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais como uma via de ensino que pode ser cada vez mais a primeira escolha de ainda mais jovens açorianos.
May 13, 2026 Maria João Carreiro destaca reforçada visibilidade e credibilidade do Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais e anuncia nova oferta formativa para 2026/2027 A Secretária Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, Maria João Carreiro, anunciou esta terça-feira, em Ponta Delgada, que estão em oferta nas Escolas Profissionais dos Açores para o ano letivo 2026/2027 um total de 58 novos cursos profissionais de nível 4. No conjunto destes 58 novos cursos em oferta, de 21 áreas profissionais, estão a ser disponibilizadas pelas Escolas Profissionais mais de mil vagas para jovens que decidam prosseguir estudos numa via profissionalizante que confere dupla certificação – escolar e profissional. Maria João Carreiro falava na Feira da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços dos Açores – FICSA, onde estão a decorrer as sessões “A Tua Primeira Escolha – Lab – À descoberta das profissões” e onde esteve acompanhada pelo Diretor Regional de Qualificação Profissional e Emprego, Renato Medeiros; pelo presidente da Direção da AEPA - Associação de Escolas Profissionais dos Açores, João Moniz; e pelo Vice-Presidente da ANESPO – Associação Nacional de Escolas Profissionais, Domingos Borges. “Mais do que o número de cursos ou de vagas, o que importa destacar é diversidade de oferta formativa, que reflete um esforço por parte das Escolas Profissionais para adequar a sua oferta formativa às necessidades das empresas e aos interesses dos jovens”, disse. A Secretária Regional frisou que o Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais é hoje uma resposta “cada vez mais valorizada pelos jovens, famílias e empresas”, razão pela qual, destacou, “o Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais está hoje com reforçada visibilidade e credibilidade”. Na ocasião, a governante lembrou que já está a decorrer a campanha “A Tua Primeira Escolha”, com comunicação de rua e digital (redes sociais), promovida anualmente, desde 2023, pelo Governo dos Açores para sensibilizar os jovens e famílias para as oportunidades e vantagens do ensino profissional, através do qual os jovens podem entrar diretamente para o mercado de trabalho ou prosseguir estudos no Ensino Superior. Este ano, o foco da campanha, que funciona numa lógica complementar à comunicação das escolas e da sua oferta formativa, está na diversidade das áreas de formação nos cursos de nível 4, na dignificação das profissões e na sensibilização dos jovens para a importância das competências para serem bons profissionais. “Uma eletricista com formação será, seguramente, um eletricista mais completo e com maior margem de crescimento do que um eletricista sem formação. O mesmo em relação a todas as profissões. As nossas empresas precisam de mais jovens com as competências, o saber-fazer, a confiança e a autonomia que o ensino profissional promove”, defendeu. É também no âmbito desta campanha que estão a decorrer na FICSA as sessões “A Tua Primeira Escolha Lab – À descoberta das profissões”, com demonstrações diárias, ao vivo e interativas de profissões e áreas profissionais com formandos do ensino profissionais. As sessões terminam amanhã, quinta-feira, dia 14. Através destas sessões, promovidas pelo Governo dos Açores em estreita cooperação com as Escolas Profissionais, os jovens têm a oportunidade não só de se verem de perto como se trabalha ou o que se aprende numa determinada profissão, identificando afinidades que muitas vezes não descobririam apenas através da teoria, mas também de tirar dúvidas com os formandos e formadores sobre os percursos formativos de cada curso profissional. Maria João Carreiro congratulou, ainda, as Escolas Profissionais da Região pela pronta disponibilidade para articular a oferta formativa para o ano letivo 2026/2027, num trabalho conjunto, franco e permanente com o Governo dos Açores que beneficia os jovens, as famílias, a economia e a afirmação do Ensino nas Escolas Profissionais como uma via de ensino que pode ser cada vez mais a primeira escolha de ainda mais jovens açorianos.
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security clarifies temporary disruptions to Azores Health Line Following the temporary technical difficulties experienced by the Azores Health Line on May 10, 2026, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to provide the following clarification to the public and the media. On May 10, a technical infrastructure failure occurred in the building where the Azores Health Line operates, which temporarily affected the communications systems. It is important to clarify that this incident did not result from any operational failure attributable to the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security or the Regional Health Service. The building where the Azores Health Line operates does not fall within the remit of the Regional Government’s health department. Its management is the responsibility of a private entity under a service provision contract. Once the problem was identified, the entity responsible and the technical partners involved, including the communications department, were contacted immediately to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. At the same time, arrangements were made with the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) to bolster the medical emergency line's capacity as a precautionary measure, in anticipation of calls being diverted to 112. In this regard, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to clarify that: There was no collapse of the Azores Health Line; There was no total service disruption; Access to healthcare has not been compromised at any time; The Azores Health Line is a non-urgent clinical advice and guidance service, not a medical emergency line; In emergencies, citizens should contact 112 directly; During the period when the service was restricted, no calls to 112 were recorded regarding situations associated with the Azores Health Line; The situation was fully resolved by 4 p.m. on May 10. The Azores Health Line prioritises responsible, coordinated and accurate communication with all partner organisations involved. The priority is to ensure that all information provided to the public is clear, credible and conducive to reassurance and confidence.
May 12, 2026 Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security clarifies temporary disruptions to Azores Health Line Following the temporary technical difficulties experienced by the Azores Health Line on May 10, 2026, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to provide the following clarification to the public and the media. On May 10, a technical infrastructure failure occurred in the building where the Azores Health Line operates, which temporarily affected the communications systems. It is important to clarify that this incident did not result from any operational failure attributable to the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security or the Regional Health Service. The building where the Azores Health Line operates does not fall within the remit of the Regional Government’s health department. Its management is the responsibility of a private entity under a service provision contract. Once the problem was identified, the entity responsible and the technical partners involved, including the communications department, were contacted immediately to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. At the same time, arrangements were made with the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) to bolster the medical emergency line's capacity as a precautionary measure, in anticipation of calls being diverted to 112. In this regard, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to clarify that: There was no collapse of the Azores Health Line; There was no total service disruption; Access to healthcare has not been compromised at any time; The Azores Health Line is a non-urgent clinical advice and guidance service, not a medical emergency line; In emergencies, citizens should contact 112 directly; During the period when the service was restricted, no calls to 112 were recorded regarding situations associated with the Azores Health Line; The situation was fully resolved by 4 p.m. on May 10. The Azores Health Line prioritises responsible, coordinated and accurate communication with all partner organisations involved. The priority is to ensure that all information provided to the public is clear, credible and conducive to reassurance and confidence.
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 Regional Government marks International Day of Plant Health by modernising agricultural warning network On International Day of Plant Health, observed today, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, reiterates its commitment to food security and the sustainability of the primary sector by modernising the Azores Agricultural Monitoring and Warning Network (RMAAA). In an island region characterised by its high biodiversity, this infrastructure plays a critical role in preventing pests and diseases, preserving ecosystems and ensuring the competitiveness of regional production. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, “protecting plant health is about protecting agricultural production, farmers’ income and the balance of ecosystems.” The government official emphasised that strengthening the RMAAA enables “the sector to be better equipped in terms of preventing problems and having better tools to respond to current challenges, with more information, greater accuracy and greater sustainability.” Operated by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Affairs and Food (DRAVA), the network is now a key infrastructure for integrated crop protection. Currently, the system comprises 105 Biological Observation Posts (BOP) and 55 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) distributed throughout the archipelago. This technological network ensures continuous territorial coverage, contributing to the collection of vital climate data to feed into forecasting models, anticipating risks and tailoring technical recommendations to the specific microclimates of each island. All biological and meteorological information collected converges in real time on the RMAAA digital platform, which processes the data, generates alerts and issues warnings with specific recommendations. Hence, the network ensures that technical knowledge reaches farmers quickly and clearly, promoting an increasingly preventive and efficient action. The operation of this entire system is based on a collaborative model involving the Island Agrarian Development Services, associations and cooperatives, always in close coordination with the Azores Agricultural Federation. In addition to providing direct, daily support to farms, RMAAA plays a key role as the first line of defence in monitoring emerging and quarantine pests, and in ensuring coordination with national and European networks. “With this reinforcement, we are consolidating RMAAA as a strategic tool for knowledge, prevention and innovation, essential for tackling climate change and globalisation challenges,” stressed António Ventura. The Secretary for Agriculture reiterated the Government’s commitment to a response that “boosts productivity, reduces risks and safeguards the archipelago’s invaluable agricultural and environmental heritage.” Farmers and technicians interested in accessing the daily information produced by RMAAA can consult the agricultural warnings and advisories, and register for free on the official platform at https://avisos.agricultura.azores.gov.pt/.
May 12, 2026 Regional Government marks International Day of Plant Health by modernising agricultural warning network On International Day of Plant Health, observed today, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, reiterates its commitment to food security and the sustainability of the primary sector by modernising the Azores Agricultural Monitoring and Warning Network (RMAAA). In an island region characterised by its high biodiversity, this infrastructure plays a critical role in preventing pests and diseases, preserving ecosystems and ensuring the competitiveness of regional production. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, “protecting plant health is about protecting agricultural production, farmers’ income and the balance of ecosystems.” The government official emphasised that strengthening the RMAAA enables “the sector to be better equipped in terms of preventing problems and having better tools to respond to current challenges, with more information, greater accuracy and greater sustainability.” Operated by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Affairs and Food (DRAVA), the network is now a key infrastructure for integrated crop protection. Currently, the system comprises 105 Biological Observation Posts (BOP) and 55 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) distributed throughout the archipelago. This technological network ensures continuous territorial coverage, contributing to the collection of vital climate data to feed into forecasting models, anticipating risks and tailoring technical recommendations to the specific microclimates of each island. All biological and meteorological information collected converges in real time on the RMAAA digital platform, which processes the data, generates alerts and issues warnings with specific recommendations. Hence, the network ensures that technical knowledge reaches farmers quickly and clearly, promoting an increasingly preventive and efficient action. The operation of this entire system is based on a collaborative model involving the Island Agrarian Development Services, associations and cooperatives, always in close coordination with the Azores Agricultural Federation. In addition to providing direct, daily support to farms, RMAAA plays a key role as the first line of defence in monitoring emerging and quarantine pests, and in ensuring coordination with national and European networks. “With this reinforcement, we are consolidating RMAAA as a strategic tool for knowledge, prevention and innovation, essential for tackling climate change and globalisation challenges,” stressed António Ventura. The Secretary for Agriculture reiterated the Government’s commitment to a response that “boosts productivity, reduces risks and safeguards the archipelago’s invaluable agricultural and environmental heritage.” Farmers and technicians interested in accessing the daily information produced by RMAAA can consult the agricultural warnings and advisories, and register for free on the official platform at https://avisos.agricultura.azores.gov.pt/.
