José Manuel Bolieiro calls for “fair recognition” of Azorean agriculture on national stage - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the session marking the National Agriculture Day, organised by the São Miguel Agricultural Association at the Santana Fair in Rabo de Peixe, highlighting the key role of agriculture in the Region’s identity, economy and future.

The head of the Azorean Government welcomed the initiative led by the São Miguel Agricultural Association, chaired by Jorge Rita, emphasising its educational and mobilising nature, as it involves thousands of children and dozens of schools across the island of São Miguel in a celebration dedicated to first-hand contact with the agricultural sector.

José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted that the Azores host “the largest national celebration of National Agriculture Day,” praising the Region’s organisational capabilities, which he described as among the most significant in the country and the European Union.

"Exposing children and young people to agriculture is an experience that fosters knowledge and appreciation of what is ours. It is also a way of cultivating among younger generations a passion for their islands, the Region, and the strategic value of agriculture," he said.

The President of the Regional Government also emphasised the importance of agriculture for food self-sufficiency and for the creation of regional wealth, defending that the sector remains fundamental to the sustainable development of the Azores.

In his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro expressed solidarity with Azorean producers in the face of rising production costs, namely transport and fertilisers. He regretted that national measures to support the agricultural sector do not include the Azores.

“The National Government cannot neglect its responsibility to act fairly towards the entire country. National measures must also cover Azorean agriculture and the farmers of our islands,” he stated.

The President of the Government added that the São Miguel Agricultural Association and the Confederation of Portuguese Farmers (CAP) fully understand the scale and national significance of Azorean agriculture, advocating for the need to resolve the exclusion of the Region from national support schemes.

The National Agriculture Day initiative brought together thousands of children for educational, interactive and awareness-raising activities, promoting an understanding of agricultural production and the role of farmers in society.

Also present were the President of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, Jorge Rita, the members of the Board of Directors of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, Valter Melo and Jorge Sousa, the President of the General Assembly of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, Eugénio Câmara, the Mayor of Ribeira Grande, Jaime Vieira, and the Secretary-General of CAP, Luís Mira.