Regional Government wants UNESCO recognition for São Jorge cheese - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

On Tuesday, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the signing of a protocol with the Confraria do Queijo de São Jorge (brotherhood formed to promote São Jorge cheese) and the island's two municipalities - Velas and Calheta - to register the product's "traditional knowledge and production techniques" as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

"We are taking a crucial step. It is a step that takes the quality and excellence of São Jorge cheese as its precedent, and the talent acquired over 500 years to transform high-quality milk into very high-quality cheese," he highlighted. 

The ceremony was part of the second day of the Regional Government's three-day statutory visit to the island of São Jorge. The Regional Secretary for Agriculture, António Ventura, and the Regional Secretary for Education, Sofia Ribeiro, signed the protocol.

"This product is made from the talent and identity of a people and a territory. It has a quality and excellence that competes with the best in the world. It is promoting the country," stated the President of the Government.

He added that "our path and goal is to be recognised worldwide by UNESCO."

On the occasion, José Manuel Bolieiro also called for the active work of the National Government on this matter. 

José Manuel Bolieiro also urged the National Government to take action on the matter.

The head of the brotherhood, António Azevedo, stated that the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will be enthroned as a member later this month, recognising that a UNESCO distinction would represent "added value" for São Jorge and the Azores.

The Azorean Government ends its statutory visit to the island today.