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Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government defends agriculture in Outermost Regions to MEPs
Regional Government defends agriculture in Outermost Regions to MEPs
Direção Regional da Agricultura, Veterinária e Alimentação
Cooperation between European agricultural regions strengthened by Polish delegation visit to the Azores
Cooperation between European agricultural regions strengthened by Polish delegation visit to the Azores
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura
Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura
July 21, 2026
Regional Government defends agriculture in Outermost Regions to MEPs
July 20, 2026
Cooperation between European agricultural regions strengthened by Polish delegation visit to the Azores
July 13, 2026
Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura
News
Nota de Imprensa
July 21, 2026
Regional Government defends agriculture in Outermost Regions to MEPs
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, presented this week the Region’s key demands within the negotiations for the upcoming 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). The address focused on defending the maintenance of specific treatment for agriculture in the Outermost Regions, as provided for in Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The position advocated by the Azorean Government aligns with that of the other Outermost Regions. It has been supported by Portugal, Spain, and France, as well as by several MEPs, to ensure that the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) continues to recognise and offset the permanent constraints these territories face. Regarding this matter, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, was emphatic: "The Azorean agricultural sector cannot be governed by the same rules applied to mainland Europe. Agriculture in the Outermost Regions requires dedicated instruments to ensure farm competitiveness, production sustainability, and the economic and social cohesion of these territories." Among the main demands presented by the Region is the preservation of POSEI as an independent programme, complete with its own regulations, governance and budget, as this instrument remains essential to offset the structural constraints of the archipelago. The Regional Secretary defended that funding for the programme should remain fully covered by EU funds, maintaining the option to grant complementary state aid and establishing a dedicated financial allocation within the next European financial framework. In tandem, António Ventura expressed his total opposition to any increase in the national CAP co-financing rate for certain measures applicable to the Outermost Regions, demanding that the current 15% rate be maintained, as any increase would place an unbearable financial strain on these regions. Another priority set out by the Azores concerns maintaining higher support rates for productive investments in the Outermost Regions, proposing an 85% support intensity to preserve a differential that acknowledges the additional costs of being an outermost region. The government official also advocated for mechanisms to ensure a smooth and stable transition from the current programming period to the next financial framework, avoiding any disruption in support for Azorean farmers. Ongoing negotiations have already achieved significant progress, resulting in the reintroduction of an explicit reference to the POSEI Regulation in the European legislative proposal. This outcome follows the joint work carried out by Portugal, Spain and France, in close coordination with the Outermost Regions and the MEPs following this matter. However, António Ventura warned that structural issues remain to be resolved to fully safeguard the interests of the Outermost Regions, concluding with a final assurance: "The future of Azorean agriculture depends on the decisions currently being made in Brussels. We will continue to defend, firmly and decisively, a financial framework that recognises the unique reality of the Outermost Regions and ensures the conditions for our farmers to continue producing with quality, competitiveness and sustainability."
July 21, 2026
Regional Government defends agriculture in Outermost Regions to MEPs
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, presented this week the Region’s key demands within the negotiations for the upcoming 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). The address focused on defending the maintenance of specific treatment for agriculture in the Outermost Regions, as provided for in Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The position advocated by the Azorean Government aligns with that of the other Outermost Regions. It has been supported by Portugal, Spain, and France, as well as by several MEPs, to ensure that the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) continues to recognise and offset the permanent constraints these territories face. Regarding this matter, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, was emphatic: "The Azorean agricultural sector cannot be governed by the same rules applied to mainland Europe. Agriculture in the Outermost Regions requires dedicated instruments to ensure farm competitiveness, production sustainability, and the economic and social cohesion of these territories." Among the main demands presented by the Region is the preservation of POSEI as an independent programme, complete with its own regulations, governance and budget, as this instrument remains essential to offset the structural constraints of the archipelago. The Regional Secretary defended that funding for the programme should remain fully covered by EU funds, maintaining the option to grant complementary state aid and establishing a dedicated financial allocation within the next European financial framework. In tandem, António Ventura expressed his total opposition to any increase in the national CAP co-financing rate for certain measures applicable to the Outermost Regions, demanding that the current 15% rate be maintained, as any increase would place an unbearable financial strain on these regions. Another priority set out by the Azores concerns maintaining higher support rates for productive investments in the Outermost Regions, proposing an 85% support intensity to preserve a differential that acknowledges the additional costs of being an outermost region. The government official also advocated for mechanisms to ensure a smooth and stable transition from the current programming period to the next financial framework, avoiding any disruption in support for Azorean farmers. Ongoing negotiations have already achieved significant progress, resulting in the reintroduction of an explicit reference to the POSEI Regulation in the European legislative proposal. This outcome follows the joint work carried out by Portugal, Spain and France, in close coordination with the Outermost Regions and the MEPs following this matter. However, António Ventura warned that structural issues remain to be resolved to fully safeguard the interests of the Outermost Regions, concluding with a final assurance: "The future of Azorean agriculture depends on the decisions currently being made in Brussels. We will continue to defend, firmly and decisively, a financial framework that recognises the unique reality of the Outermost Regions and ensures the conditions for our farmers to continue producing with quality, competitiveness and sustainability."
Nota de Imprensa
July 20, 2026
Cooperation between European agricultural regions strengthened by Polish delegation visit to the Azores
As part of the cooperation among European agricultural regions within the AGRIREGIONS network, a delegation from the Polish region of Wielkopolska visited the Azores from July 15 to 19. The delegation comprised the President of the Regional Assembly of Wielkopolska, Tatiana Sokołowska; the Vice-Marshal of the Region, Krzysztof Grabowski, who is responsible for agriculture and rural development; and representatives from the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Rural Development Programmes, and the local Agricultural Advisory Centre. With around 3.5 million inhabitants, Wielkopolska (Greater Poland) is one of Poland's most important historical, economic, and political regions, as well as one of the most developed in Central Europe. In terms of agriculture, it is one of the country's most productive regions, excelling in cereal production, dairy production, pig farming, poultry farming, horticulture, and fruit growing. The visit was primarily intended to foster the exchange of experiences and best practices in agriculture, rural development, animal production, the promotion of regional products, innovation, applied research, and agricultural system sustainability, as well as to strengthen institutional relations. In this regard, the Polish delegation expressed particular interest in learning about the Azorean experience in dairy and beef production, pasture-based farming systems, traditional cheesemaking, certification and promotion of regional products, rural development in island and outermost contexts, and viticulture in volcanic soils. During the visit, which covered the islands of Faial, Pico, Terceira, and São Miguel, the members of the delegation were accompanied by members of the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, including the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food; the Regional Directorate for Rural Development; the Azores Vine and Wine Institute; and local Agrarian Development Services. Together, they met directly with local producers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses. The programme provided insights into various dimensions of Azorean agriculture, ranging from primary production to processing, value creation, cooperative organisation, research, and innovation. This diversity was precisely one of the aspects most highlighted by the Vice-Marshal of Wielkopolska, Krzysztof Grabowski, who noted that he was particularly impressed by the differences between the islands in terms of "landscape, territory and agriculture itself." He noted that this variety is reflected in the diversity of Azorean products, providing a distinct commercial advantage and bolstering the Region's food self-sufficiency. Despite differences in climate, terrain and production methods between the two territories, the Vice-Marshal identified several common points in dairy and beef production, emphasising a key unifying factor: "I believe that farmers is what truly unites us. Without them, we would not be here. They are the ones who work the land daily, keep the agricultural sector alive and, above all, feed the world," stated Krzysztof Grabowski. He also highlighted the potential to deepen cooperation both through technical knowledge sharing and closer coordination to advocate for the sector within European institutions. "We are both regions within AGRIREGIONS, and we have our own specific realities and characteristics that must be heard and considered at a European level. If we work together and unite our voices, we will certainly have a greater capacity to defend our regions' interests," he emphasised. During a meeting with the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, both parties expressed a shared commitment to align their positions to ensure that agricultural priorities reach the European Union, particularly during negotiations for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. The President of the Regional Assembly of Wielkopolska, Tatiana Sokołowska, also assessed the visit very positively, emphasising that closer ties between both regions hold enormous potential for expansion into areas such as culture and tourism. During their visit to São Miguel, the delegation took part in the Azores Beef Fest 2026, where they were welcomed by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura. For the Azorean government official, “this visit was a success and achieved its goal of deepening mutual understanding among European agricultural regions which, although very distant and very different, are united by the common goals of promoting the sustainable development of their agricultural sectors and the quality of life of their farmers.” António Ventura emphasised that firsthand knowledge of the realities of island agriculture among Central and Eastern European regions is vital for building allies on the European stage. “The Azores have a very distinctive agricultural situation, shaped by their remoteness, outermost region status, small scale and distance from markets. It is important that other regions be aware of these specific characteristics and understand the need for European policies tailored to different regional circumstances,” he added. Highlighting the importance of this alignment at a particularly relevant moment for European agricultural policy, the Regional Secretary expressed his optimism: "I am confident that we have strengthened an important partnership and gained an ally in defending the interests of our agricultural regions at a crucial moment for defining the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework."
July 20, 2026
Cooperation between European agricultural regions strengthened by Polish delegation visit to the Azores
As part of the cooperation among European agricultural regions within the AGRIREGIONS network, a delegation from the Polish region of Wielkopolska visited the Azores from July 15 to 19. The delegation comprised the President of the Regional Assembly of Wielkopolska, Tatiana Sokołowska; the Vice-Marshal of the Region, Krzysztof Grabowski, who is responsible for agriculture and rural development; and representatives from the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Rural Development Programmes, and the local Agricultural Advisory Centre. With around 3.5 million inhabitants, Wielkopolska (Greater Poland) is one of Poland's most important historical, economic, and political regions, as well as one of the most developed in Central Europe. In terms of agriculture, it is one of the country's most productive regions, excelling in cereal production, dairy production, pig farming, poultry farming, horticulture, and fruit growing. The visit was primarily intended to foster the exchange of experiences and best practices in agriculture, rural development, animal production, the promotion of regional products, innovation, applied research, and agricultural system sustainability, as well as to strengthen institutional relations. In this regard, the Polish delegation expressed particular interest in learning about the Azorean experience in dairy and beef production, pasture-based farming systems, traditional cheesemaking, certification and promotion of regional products, rural development in island and outermost contexts, and viticulture in volcanic soils. During the visit, which covered the islands of Faial, Pico, Terceira, and São Miguel, the members of the delegation were accompanied by members of the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, including the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food; the Regional Directorate for Rural Development; the Azores Vine and Wine Institute; and local Agrarian Development Services. Together, they met directly with local producers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses. The programme provided insights into various dimensions of Azorean agriculture, ranging from primary production to processing, value creation, cooperative organisation, research, and innovation. This diversity was precisely one of the aspects most highlighted by the Vice-Marshal of Wielkopolska, Krzysztof Grabowski, who noted that he was particularly impressed by the differences between the islands in terms of "landscape, territory and agriculture itself." He noted that this variety is reflected in the diversity of Azorean products, providing a distinct commercial advantage and bolstering the Region's food self-sufficiency. Despite differences in climate, terrain and production methods between the two territories, the Vice-Marshal identified several common points in dairy and beef production, emphasising a key unifying factor: "I believe that farmers is what truly unites us. Without them, we would not be here. They are the ones who work the land daily, keep the agricultural sector alive and, above all, feed the world," stated Krzysztof Grabowski. He also highlighted the potential to deepen cooperation both through technical knowledge sharing and closer coordination to advocate for the sector within European institutions. "We are both regions within AGRIREGIONS, and we have our own specific realities and characteristics that must be heard and considered at a European level. If we work together and unite our voices, we will certainly have a greater capacity to defend our regions' interests," he emphasised. During a meeting with the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, both parties expressed a shared commitment to align their positions to ensure that agricultural priorities reach the European Union, particularly during negotiations for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. The President of the Regional Assembly of Wielkopolska, Tatiana Sokołowska, also assessed the visit very positively, emphasising that closer ties between both regions hold enormous potential for expansion into areas such as culture and tourism. During their visit to São Miguel, the delegation took part in the Azores Beef Fest 2026, where they were welcomed by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura. For the Azorean government official, “this visit was a success and achieved its goal of deepening mutual understanding among European agricultural regions which, although very distant and very different, are united by the common goals of promoting the sustainable development of their agricultural sectors and the quality of life of their farmers.” António Ventura emphasised that firsthand knowledge of the realities of island agriculture among Central and Eastern European regions is vital for building allies on the European stage. “The Azores have a very distinctive agricultural situation, shaped by their remoteness, outermost region status, small scale and distance from markets. It is important that other regions be aware of these specific characteristics and understand the need for European policies tailored to different regional circumstances,” he added. Highlighting the importance of this alignment at a particularly relevant moment for European agricultural policy, the Regional Secretary expressed his optimism: "I am confident that we have strengthened an important partnership and gained an ally in defending the interests of our agricultural regions at a crucial moment for defining the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework."
