Applications open for coaching sessions with farmers under RRP in dairy sector - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food informs that applications are open until December 26 for support to the promotion of coaching sessions in all sectors of activity related to primary agricultural production within the scope of the dairy sector.

These sessions include specialised technical support for agricultural producers to improve their skills in managing the economic, environmental and social aspects of their business, including digital skills and the use of innovative tools.

Under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), the support falls under the multisectoral theme "M.01 - Sustainable management of farms" of the "Programme to Empower Farmers and Promote Literacy in Sustainable Production and Consumption." It stems from the "Economic Recovery of Azorean Agriculture" investment promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food.

Support may be granted under the terms of this legislation for follow-up or coaching sessions, according to the main needs of farms in terms of competitiveness and green transition, including the sustainable use of natural resources, digital transition, energy transition, plant and animal health, and animal welfare.

This support measure will take the form of a non-refundable grant and will be allocated up to a maximum annual amount of €1,500.00 per farm benefiting from an annual follow-up or guidance plan, with a maximum annual limit of €15,000.00 per beneficiary. The maximum limit is 15 farms per coach on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, and the maximum annual limit is set at €16,500.00 per beneficiary. On the other hand, the maximum limit is 11 farms per coach on the islands of Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa.

Applications may be submitted under the calls for tenders and should be submitted using the electronic form available on the Internet.

"In a region like the Azores, which is a predominantly rural outermost region with strong natural values, agriculture is of paramount economic, social and territorial importance for regional cohesion. As such, the access to information and knowledge by those involved in the agricultural sector and the general population is considered a key element in ensuring the transition to more ecological, sustainable and diversified agricultural sectors that will be better adapted to the Region's soil and climate as well as to its geographical, social and economic conditions, thus contributing to a progressive and desirable degree of food self-sufficiency," stressed the Regional Secretary for Agriculture, António Ventura. 

The provision of these coaching sessions is based on specialised technical support for farmers, through the transfer of knowledge and information aimed at empowering and advising farmers on the efficient and sustainable management of their farms in terms of economic, social, environmental and climatic aspects as wells in terms of animal welfare, public health and efficiency in the use of resources," added the government official.