Regional Government reiterates importance of ending apportionment and highlights impact of record investment in agriculture - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, assured today, at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, that the Regional Government led by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition has ushered in a "new era of confidence and predictability in the agricultural sector," marked by the definitive end of cuts in public support and the unprecedented implementation of a regional payment schedule.

In his speech, António Ventura emphasised that the political decision to guarantee 100% payment of premiums to farmers contrasts with the socialist past, now ensuring true financial planning for agricultural holdings in the Region.

The government official pointed out that 2025 represented the largest ever investment by the Regional Budget in agriculture, reaching €60 million, which was supplemented by €16 million from the State Budget to complement POSEI.

This financial effort has resulted in significant growth in local production.

António Ventura revealed that the maize area for animal feed reached a record of 15,000 hectares, promoting the Region's energy and food autonomy.

In terms of meat production, over the last five years, the executive has granted 3,000 new suckling cow rights, a strategic measure to combat the national production deficit.

In addition, the end of consumption limits on agricultural diesel and support for seed purchases proved to be fundamental to the sector's productivity.

The environmental transition was another focus of the plenary session. In just four years, the area dedicated to organic farming in the Azores has "made a historic breakthrough," increasing from 1,100 to 5,300 hectares, alongside support for the establishment of more than 2,000 hectares of biodiverse pastures.

Regarding generational renewal, the Secretary for Agriculture emphasised that doubling the first installation premium had resulted in a record number of young people entering the sector, with 86 new farmers establishing themselves in 2025, the highest figure in the last decade.

António Ventura also highlighted the swift resolution of pending issues, such as the settlement of European penalties on land parcels that threatened the income of 1,300 farmers, as well as the creation of additional supplements of more than €9 million to offset losses in the sector.

The transparency of the current Government was also emphasised: currently, daily information on payments, schedules, applications and legislation is made available directly and in an accessible manner to all interested parties through the Azores Government Portal.

“Taxpayers’ money is paying off, not only in terms of producers’ income but also in terms of affordable food for the Azorean people,” António Ventura concluded, stressing that, in a turbulent world, increasing regional production ensures greater food security and reduces dependence on imports.