José Manuel Bolieiro praises São Miguel Agricultural Association for its “50 years of dedication” - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, took part today in the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, highlighting the institution's historical “relevance” and “decisive” role in the development of the Azorean agricultural sector.

Over the past fifty years, the Association has established itself as a benchmark for supporting, promoting, and representing farmers, thereby contributing to the economic and social progress of the island and the Region.

The President of the Government highlighted the vision of the founders and the ongoing work of leaders, employees, and associates.

“Fifty years of history are, above all, fifty years of dedication and resilience in defence of São Miguel’s agriculture and farmers. It is only fair to acknowledge all those who helped build this path,” he recalled.

The head of the Azorean Government also praised the role of the President of the Board, Jorge Rita, and all those who, over the decades, have served the institution. He declared that "the prestige of the São Miguel Agricultural Association is due to the mission of its founders, as well as the leadership and consistent work that now elevate it to regional and national prominence."

Before the Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated the importance of national policies that take into account the specific characteristics of the Outermost Regions and the Azores' contribution to the country's food security.

Highlighting the challenges facing the sector, such as increasing food production, environmental sustainability and technological innovation, the President of the Regional Government assured his continued commitment to defending Azorean farmers.

"The São Miguel Agricultural Association is committed to the dignity and income of our farmers, and we share with it the responsibility of preparing for the future with confidence and determination," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

Several tributes were also paid as part of the celebrations.

The seven founding members who have maintained an uninterrupted connection with the Association since 1975 were highlighted: António Manuel Cabral da Ponte, Armando Botelho Henrique, Armando Soares Cordeiro Jr., Gilberto Jacinto dos Santos, João do Rego Pavão, José Tavares Casaca, and Maximino Sousa Galvão. Posthumous distinctions for Business and Professional Merit were also bestowed upon Dionísio Raposo Leite, Francisco Amâncio de Oliveira Macedo, Humberto Silva, Manuel Joaquim da Costa Leite, Mário da Silva Almeida and Miguel Alves Medeiros Diogo. The Career Award was bestowed upon Luís Nuno Ponte Neto de Viveiros for his remarkable contribution to agriculture in São Miguel. The Confederation of Portuguese Farmers (CAP) was also honoured institutionally for its longstanding collaboration.

Likewise, tribute was paid to the former Presidents of the Association's Board, António Maria Correia do Carmo (posthumously), Paulo Alberto Moniz Teves, António de Oliveira Cymbron, José Francisco Almeida Barbosa and Manuel António Oliveira Martins, as well as the former Presidents of the Azores Government, João Bosco Mota Amaral, Alberto Madruga da Costa (posthumously), Carlos César and Vasco Cordeiro. The São Miguel Agricultural Association itself paid special tribute to the current President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, acknowledging his close collaboration, strategic vision and commitment to strengthening Azorean agriculture.

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes; the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia; the President of the Board of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, Jorge Rita; the President of the Confederation of Portuguese Farmers, Álvaro Mendonça e Moura; the President of the General Assembly of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, Eugénio Câmara; as well as the Members of the Board of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, Jorge Sousa and Valter Melo.