José Manuel Bolieiro states that “support for agriculture protects a real and productive economy” - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening ceremony of the Azores Agricultural Fair 2026, held at the Vinha Brava Multipurpose Hall on Terceira Island, highlighting agriculture as a strategic sector for economic development, social cohesion and the establishment of Azorean identity.

Speaking before producers, entrepreneurs, association leaders and other stakeholders in the sector, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of the fair as a meeting place for all players in the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and distribution.

“This is an opportunity to bring the Azores together, congregating production, processing and distribution from a sector that has an important value chain for our economy and for what we do in the Azores,” he stated.

The head of the Azorean Government defended that wealth generation remains an essential condition for economic and social development, stressing the role of work in building a more prosperous society.

“It is not possible to distribute wealth without first creating it. It is not possible to enhance the quality of human life without work, whether on an individual or collective level. The potential of our natural environment is only fully achieved when combined with work, knowledge and the ability to innovate,” he emphasised.

The head of the Azorean Government also praised the role of Azorean agricultural associations, considering them an “indispensable social partner” for the sector’s progress and the development of solutions addressing current challenges.

“Agricultural associations have established themselves as a key social partner. In every association, on every island and across the entire archipelago, I commend the work ethic, the search for solutions and the pooling of expertise that matches the scale of our collective ambition,” he stressed.

The President of the Regional Government pointed out that Azorean agriculture represents much more than just food production; it is an essential part of the Region’s culture and identity.

“Agriculture is also part of Azorean culture and identity. No one would imagine visiting the Azores without encountering a thriving agricultural sector, capable of contributing to our islands’ food self-sufficiency and the preservation of our authenticity,” he said.

In this context, he tied agriculture to the values of social cohesion, sustainability and authenticity that the Azores Brand seeks to promote both within and outside the Region.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the sector’s ability to attract and retain talent, noting that Azorean agriculture is well-positioned to create future opportunities and generate value for residents and visitors alike.

“We have quality, we have excellence, and we have the capacity to continue attracting people to the Azores, making the most of our resources and creating opportunities for new generations,” he stated.

In his speech, the president of the Government highlighted the results achieved by the agricultural sector, emphasising that its importance to the regional economy is reflected in the growth of the Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture and agro-industries.

As he noted, agricultural GVA reached its highest level in 30 years in 2024, standing at €354 million, demonstrating the sector’s growing importance to the Azorean economy.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the joint efforts of the Regional Government and the Azores Agricultural Federation to ensure that Azorean farmers are treated equally in accessing national support measures.

“We have managed to correct an unfair situation that was creating difficulties for Azorean farmers, who were being excluded from national support schemes. Today, our efforts to secure better terms have ensured that Azorean farmers are included in national support schemes for fertilisers and energy, which is entirely fair,” he emphasised.

In the context of public policies for the sector, the President of the Regional Government reiterated the Government's commitment to ensuring balance throughout the food value chain, offsetting the additional costs arising from the archipelago’s geographical location whilst protecting consumers.

“The main beneficiaries of these measures are consumers and the regional economy, ensuring that products reach Azorean consumers at affordable prices, without compromising the sustainability of production,” he stated.

The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted investment in research, innovation and food safety, key areas for boosting the competitiveness and excellence of regional production.

José Manuel Bolieiro also announced that applications have been open since June 1 for the conversion of dairy farms to beef production on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Graciosa, a measure aimed at diversifying agricultural activity and strengthening the sector’s resilience.

It was also announced that applications to support the purchase of maize and sorghum seeds for the 2025 season would open in July, with a 30% increase in funding in response to the adverse weather conditions experienced throughout the year.

This measure has contributed to the growth of regional forage maize production, with the Azores reaching a record area of 14,500 hectares dedicated to this crop by 2025, thereby strengthening self-sufficiency in animal feed and reducing dependence on imports.

Regarding the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC), the President of the Regional Government highlighted the strong uptake amongst Azorean farmers towards the available investment programmes.

The first application period, which ran from December 2025 to January 2026, saw €4 million in funding approved to support a total investment exceeding €5.1 million, covering projects in areas such as dairy and beef cattle farming, fruit growing, viticulture and horticulture.

José Manuel Bolieiro also announced that applications will open in July, with €3 million in funding available to support the afforestation of agricultural land and the installation of windbreaks.

“This is an opportunity to increase the forest area of the Azores, whilst promoting the environmental sustainability of farms and supporting producers during the early years of this investment,” he explained.

Furthermore, the President of the Regional Government also defended the need to ensure that national support for the agricultural sector is effectively extended to the Region.

“National aid must cover the entire national territory. We have been calling on the National Government to include the Azores in this support scheme. We are not creating an economy of dependency, but rather protecting a real, productive economy that generates wealth, employment and development for the Azores,” he concluded.

Also present at the ceremony were the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the President of the Azores Agricultural Federation, Jorge Rita, the President of the Terceira Island Agricultural Association, José Azevedo, the Deputy Mayor of Angra do Heroísmo, Guido Teles, and the Mayor of Praia da Vitória, Vânia Ferreira, amongst other figures linked to the Azorean agricultural sector.