Regional Government allocates €133.7 million to boost regional agricultural production - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

In 2027, the Government of the Azores will allocate €133.7 million to agriculture with a view to increasing regional agricultural production, boosting farmers’ income and creating the conditions for a more modern, sustainable and competitive agricultural sector.

“A Region’s wealth is also measured by its capacity to produce food for domestic consumption and export. In increasing our agrifood production, as has been happening progressively, we are strengthening our autonomy,” stated the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, before the Committee on Economic Affairs of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, during the hearings on the Region’s Plan and Budget proposals for 2027.

The investment planned for 2027 will focus public intervention in agriculture on boosting production capacity through direct income support, the modernisation of agricultural holdings, improvements to agricultural infrastructure, sustainability and the promotion of regional produce.

One of the priorities is to safeguard farmers’ income by ensuring that POSEI support is provided without cuts or apportionments. This will be achieved by allocating €21.8 million, 13% more than in 2026, representing an increase of €2.4 million.

“Supporting farmers means supporting all Azoreans, so that they can have access to affordable food and greater availability of regional produce,” stated António Ventura.

Funding for investment in agricultural holdings, young farmers, forestry and the LEADER programme totals €25.8 million, representing a 50% increase – equivalent to an additional €8.7 million compared with the previous year. This increase is intended to stimulate the modernisation of agricultural holdings, promote generational renewal and strengthen the sector’s response to economic, environmental and production challenges.

Investment in agricultural infrastructure is also significant, with €21 million earmarked for the improvement of agricultural roads, water supply and electrification, creating better conditions for agricultural activity across all islands.

The €133.7 million allocated to agriculture in 2027 comprises €53.8 million from the Regional Budget, €59.6 million from EU funds and €20.3 million from the National Budget.

Regarding the environment, sustainability, organic farming and agroforestry will have an allocation of €17.6 million, 36% more than in 2026. Food safety and plant and animal health have an allocation of €4.9 million, whilst investment in animal welfare is set to rise by 44%, reaching €2.6 million.

The Plan also allocates €4.9 million to community projects under the LIFE and Azores 2030 programmes. It includes new initiatives involving precision farming, digitalisation, agrotechnology, carbon farming, nutrition in the agrifood sector, food waste reduction and the internationalisation of Azorean dairy products.

Measures are also planned to address the specific characteristics and productive potential of the islands, including trials of legumes on Graciosa, the production diversity of the "fajãs" of São Jorge, the protection, classification and promotion of the olive groves and olives of Porto Martins, and the revival of fig cultivation on the island of Pico.

According to António Ventura, “Azorean agriculture must continue to establish itself as a strategic pillar of the regional economy and food self-sufficiency.”

“We want a more modern, sustainable and competitive agricultural sector, capable of meeting the Region’s food needs, adding value to our products and seizing new opportunities in the markets. Investing in agriculture is investing in the future of the Azores, in the vitality of our islands and in our ability to produce more and better,” he concluded.