Regional Government is investing over €190,000 in stepping up rodent control measures to protect farms - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, is stepping up integrated rodent control measures across the archipelago, ensuring direct support to producers through the free provision of rodenticides, specialist training and ongoing technical advice.

According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, “protecting agriculture is about protecting the Azorean identity.”

The government emphasised that controlling these pests “is not merely a technical measure; it is essential to safeguard farms, ensure the quality of produce and protect the daily efforts of farmers.”

Managed by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food (DRAVA), the current strategy involved the purchase of 42.1 tonnes of rodenticide, representing an overall investment of €191,619.86 (plus VAT).

Approximately 21.1 tonnes are currently being distributed across all islands, continuing the first phase of deliveries (20.9 tonnes) that began in September 2025.

The distribution of these products is carried out in a decentralised manner by the Agrarian Development Services – in some cases in partnership with local councils – to ensure maximum logistical efficiency.

The quantity of product allocated to each producer is based on the declared agricultural areas, covering arable crops, fruit crops, horticultural crops and POSEI areas.

From a scientific and technical standpoint, field operations make use of active substances such as brodifacoum and difethialone (second-generation anticoagulants).

The effectiveness of these products is closely monitored by the Integrated Pest Management Committee – Rodents, which met on February 25, 2026, and confirmed that no resistance to these substances has been identified in the Region.

Alongside material support, the Regional Secretariat has been investing in training human resources, promoting several training initiatives aimed at authorised operators and responsible technicians on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Flores.

This effort is complemented by wide-ranging public awareness campaigns through the media (RTP Açores and Antena 1 Açores - television and radio stations), social media and the distribution of posters.

“In an archipelago with such diverse circumstances, this strategy requires knowledge, coordination and a hands-on approach,” António Ventura stated, explaining the simultaneous focus on training, on-site monitoring and awareness raising.

“Acting early and acting effectively makes all the difference. It is this shared commitment – between government departments, experts and farmers – that enables us to protect Azorean agriculture and ensure a more secure and sustainable future for all islands,” concluded the government official.