Regional Government emphasises partnership with farmers and continued investment in the sector - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Regional Government, through IFAP, IP, paid today a further 1.2 million Euros in support to the agricultural sector under the PRORURAL+ programme. This is a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to private investment and the strengthening of agricultural activity in the Region.

The funds now transferred have been allocated to various incentive and support measures, which are strategic for enhancing production, rejuvenating the sector and modernising the production structures. This will be achieved through investment in farms, the installation of young farmers, the support for LEADER community-based local development, the support for the processing, marketing and development of agricultural products, and the improvement and development of infrastructures.

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, underlined the importance of this support measure as a tool to foster private initiative.

"The growth of Azorean agriculture has been based on the investment potential of our farmers, their entrepreneurial spirit and the close and responsible support of the Regional Government, which has managed to create the necessary conditions for the sustainable development of the sector," he stressed.

"The support for the private initiative has borne fruit, particularly by increasing cultivation areas, diversifying production and improving the Region's self-sufficiency levels, which is particularly important in a context of growing concern for food safety and the promotion of local production," he added.

António Ventura also pointed out the fundamental role of institutional partners. He noted that "the Azores Agricultural Federation has been an essential partner in defining public policies for the sector, actively collaborating with the Regional Government in identifying solutions tailored to the specific reality of producers and their farms."

The Secretary for Agriculture concluded by reiterating that ‘the agricultural sector will continue to be a top priority for the Regional Government. Its policies are centred on promoting investment, technological innovation, training young farmers and creating the conditions to ensure a proper income for producers, environmental sustainability and the balanced development of rural territories."