José Manuel Bolieiro ensures review of milk price paid to Graciosa and Terceira producers - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met today with the new board of directors of the Lactogal group, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura.

The main aim of the meeting was to raise the industry's awareness of the need to review the prices paid to milk producers, a demand considered fair by the head of the Azorean Government, who underlined the Regional Government's commitment to supporting this cause.

"The revision of the milk price paid to producers is a fair recognition of the capacity and civilised effort of our farmers, particularly those on the island of Graciosa," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

The President of the Government emphasised the importance of guaranteeing a fair price in the value chain and underlined the Regional Government's role as a partner for producers. Following the meeting, he announced that Lactogal had shown understanding regarding the farmers' situation and had committed to reviewing the prices paid in Graciosa and Terceira from March 1.

"The Regional Government is taking on a guiding and mediating role in this matter to reach an understanding that recognises the value of the primary sector as a key driver of our productive economy. We are proud of the Azores Brand and the excellence of our dairy products," stated the President of the Government.

The meeting with Lactogal followed a gathering of farmers at the Graciosa aerodrome when the Azorean Government arrived for its statutory visit to the island.

In view of the protests over the low price paid for milk, José Manuel Bolieiro committed to intervening as a moderator with the industry, and his first official act was the meeting that has now taken place.

With this understanding, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to the sustainability of milk production and the defence of fair conditions for regional farmers.