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Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
António Ventura highlights success of Azores Agricultural Fair 2026, calling it “a true showcase of the sector’s excellence and vitality”
António Ventura highlights success of Azores Agricultural Fair 2026, calling it “a true showcase of the sector’s excellence and vitality”
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government moves forward with biological control measures against chestnut gall wasp
Regional Government moves forward with biological control measures against chestnut gall wasp
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government marks International Day of Plant Health by modernising agricultural warning network
Regional Government marks International Day of Plant Health by modernising agricultural warning network
June 16, 2026
António Ventura highlights success of Azores Agricultural Fair 2026, calling it “a true showcase of the sector’s excellence and vitality”
June 15, 2026
Regional Government moves forward with biological control measures against chestnut gall wasp
May 12, 2026
Regional Government marks International Day of Plant Health by modernising agricultural warning network
News
Nota de Imprensa
June 16, 2026
António Ventura highlights success of Azores Agricultural Fair 2026, calling it “a true showcase of the sector’s excellence and vitality”
The Azores Agricultural Fair 2026 closed at the Terceira Island Multisectoral Park, with an extremely positive outcome, establishing its position as the largest and most significant agricultural and livestock event in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Over the course of three days, the event brought together thousands of visitors, producers, associations and companies to celebrate the excellence of the Azorean rural world. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the assessment of this year’s event is clear: “The overall result is simple: it was a success that confirmed and bolstered agriculture both in the Region and abroad.” The Regional Secretary was keen to emphasise that the Azores Agricultural Fair “once again demonstrated the vitality, capacity for innovation and quality of the regional agricultural sector, serving as a true showcase for the excellence of Azorean agriculture and the work carried out daily by regional farmers and producers.” This major event was the result of close cooperation and institutional partnership between the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Affairs and Food, and the Terceira Island Agrarian Development Service, the Azores Agricultural Federation and the Terceira Island Agricultural Association. During the event, visitors had the opportunity to experience the diversity of regional production first-hand through a vast livestock exhibition featuring over 250 animals. The competitions took centre stage, highlighting the outstanding work carried out by Azorean producers in the fields of genetic selection and animal improvement for dairy and meat production, as well as for horse, sheep and goat breeding. Native breeds were also given a prominent place, with emphasis on their high agricultural, genetic and cultural value. In addition to the exhibition itself, the Azores Fair 2026 stood out for its relevant technical and educational component. The programme included workshops, talks, practical demonstrations and guided tastings to promote innovation, the adoption of good sustainability practices, agricultural technology and the transfer of knowledge. The educational and interactive aspects of the event were enhanced by equestrian activities, dog demonstrations (including a demonstration by the canine unit of the Public Security Police) and competitions featuring vegetables, fruit, flowers, honey and floral arrangements. The cultural and recreational components attracted hundreds of families and young people, providing opportunities for socialising that led to high public turnout. More than just an exhibition, the Azores Fair 2026 established itself as the major event for regional agriculture, strengthening the ties between producers and consumers. It also highlighted the rural world as a fundamental element of the Azores’ identity and economy.
June 16, 2026
António Ventura highlights success of Azores Agricultural Fair 2026, calling it “a true showcase of the sector’s excellence and vitality”
The Azores Agricultural Fair 2026 closed at the Terceira Island Multisectoral Park, with an extremely positive outcome, establishing its position as the largest and most significant agricultural and livestock event in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Over the course of three days, the event brought together thousands of visitors, producers, associations and companies to celebrate the excellence of the Azorean rural world. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the assessment of this year’s event is clear: “The overall result is simple: it was a success that confirmed and bolstered agriculture both in the Region and abroad.” The Regional Secretary was keen to emphasise that the Azores Agricultural Fair “once again demonstrated the vitality, capacity for innovation and quality of the regional agricultural sector, serving as a true showcase for the excellence of Azorean agriculture and the work carried out daily by regional farmers and producers.” This major event was the result of close cooperation and institutional partnership between the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Affairs and Food, and the Terceira Island Agrarian Development Service, the Azores Agricultural Federation and the Terceira Island Agricultural Association. During the event, visitors had the opportunity to experience the diversity of regional production first-hand through a vast livestock exhibition featuring over 250 animals. The competitions took centre stage, highlighting the outstanding work carried out by Azorean producers in the fields of genetic selection and animal improvement for dairy and meat production, as well as for horse, sheep and goat breeding. Native breeds were also given a prominent place, with emphasis on their high agricultural, genetic and cultural value. In addition to the exhibition itself, the Azores Fair 2026 stood out for its relevant technical and educational component. The programme included workshops, talks, practical demonstrations and guided tastings to promote innovation, the adoption of good sustainability practices, agricultural technology and the transfer of knowledge. The educational and interactive aspects of the event were enhanced by equestrian activities, dog demonstrations (including a demonstration by the canine unit of the Public Security Police) and competitions featuring vegetables, fruit, flowers, honey and floral arrangements. The cultural and recreational components attracted hundreds of families and young people, providing opportunities for socialising that led to high public turnout. More than just an exhibition, the Azores Fair 2026 established itself as the major event for regional agriculture, strengthening the ties between producers and consumers. It also highlighted the rural world as a fundamental element of the Azores’ identity and economy.
Nota de Imprensa
June 15, 2026
Regional Government moves forward with biological control measures against chestnut gall wasp
On June 9, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, launched the first phase of its biological control strategy against the chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus) with the controlled release of the parasitoid Torymus sinensis in six locations on Terceira Island. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, this intervention represents “an important step in protecting regional agricultural heritage and safeguarding a crop of significant economic, social and cultural significance for several Azorean communities.” The fieldwork is being carried out under a contract between the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Affairs and Food and the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation, representing an investment from the Regional Government of about €71,920. The primary goal is to conduct a rigorous risk assessment concerning the introduction of this agent and test its adaptation and effectiveness under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Azores. “We are currently carrying out, in partnership with the University of the Azores, a trial that includes an assessment of the risks associated with the introduction of this biological control parasitoid. This strategy aims to protect producers, preserve chestnut trees and ensure the continuity of this crop for future generations,” emphasised the government official. In this first experimental phase, 1,140 parasitoids were released, divided into six groups of 190 specimens (120 females and 70 males). The releases took place in strategic areas of Terceira Island, namely in Arrochela, Biscoitos, Quatro Ribeiras, Vinha Brava, Terra Chã and Penha de França. Native to China, and first detected in the country (Mainland Portugal and Madeira) in 2014, this invasive species attacks tree buds and leaves, causing the formation of galls that severely affect chestnut production and quality, and may lead to the progressive decline of chestnut trees. So far, the relevant authorities have focused on monitoring and the manual removal of these galls. Although the area under chestnut cultivation in the Azores is relatively small (around 1,589 hectares), the crop represents a very significant niche market and a fine example of agricultural heritage. On Terceira Island, for example, chestnuts have a strong and long-standing tradition in parishes such as Terra Chã, São Pedro, Posto Santo, São Mateus and São Bartolomeu. Biological control using Torymus sinensis is now internationally recognised as the most effective and sustainable method for controlling this pest. It has been successfully used across the country since 2015. With this technical and scientific initiative, the Regional Government reinforces its commitment to protecting regional crops, ensuring safe solutions to safeguard ecosystem biodiversity and the profitability of the Azorean agricultural sector.
June 15, 2026
Regional Government moves forward with biological control measures against chestnut gall wasp
On June 9, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, launched the first phase of its biological control strategy against the chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus) with the controlled release of the parasitoid Torymus sinensis in six locations on Terceira Island. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, this intervention represents “an important step in protecting regional agricultural heritage and safeguarding a crop of significant economic, social and cultural significance for several Azorean communities.” The fieldwork is being carried out under a contract between the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Affairs and Food and the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation, representing an investment from the Regional Government of about €71,920. The primary goal is to conduct a rigorous risk assessment concerning the introduction of this agent and test its adaptation and effectiveness under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Azores. “We are currently carrying out, in partnership with the University of the Azores, a trial that includes an assessment of the risks associated with the introduction of this biological control parasitoid. This strategy aims to protect producers, preserve chestnut trees and ensure the continuity of this crop for future generations,” emphasised the government official. In this first experimental phase, 1,140 parasitoids were released, divided into six groups of 190 specimens (120 females and 70 males). The releases took place in strategic areas of Terceira Island, namely in Arrochela, Biscoitos, Quatro Ribeiras, Vinha Brava, Terra Chã and Penha de França. Native to China, and first detected in the country (Mainland Portugal and Madeira) in 2014, this invasive species attacks tree buds and leaves, causing the formation of galls that severely affect chestnut production and quality, and may lead to the progressive decline of chestnut trees. So far, the relevant authorities have focused on monitoring and the manual removal of these galls. Although the area under chestnut cultivation in the Azores is relatively small (around 1,589 hectares), the crop represents a very significant niche market and a fine example of agricultural heritage. On Terceira Island, for example, chestnuts have a strong and long-standing tradition in parishes such as Terra Chã, São Pedro, Posto Santo, São Mateus and São Bartolomeu. Biological control using Torymus sinensis is now internationally recognised as the most effective and sustainable method for controlling this pest. It has been successfully used across the country since 2015. With this technical and scientific initiative, the Regional Government reinforces its commitment to protecting regional crops, ensuring safe solutions to safeguard ecosystem biodiversity and the profitability of the Azorean agricultural sector.