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Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government warns against abandoning pets during holidays
Regional Government warns against abandoning pets during holidays
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
António Ventura announces Fruit Growing Interpretation Centre, funded by European projects
António Ventura announces Fruit Growing Interpretation Centre, funded by European projects
July 2, 2026
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
June 30, 2026
Regional Government warns against abandoning pets during holidays
June 26, 2026
António Ventura announces Fruit Growing Interpretation Centre, funded by European projects
News
Nota de Imprensa
July 2, 2026
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, presided over the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Government of the Azores, through IROA, S.A., and two regional financial institutions. This measure, which is part of the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), reiterates the Azorean Government’s commitment to agricultural activity in the Region. The protocol was signed by Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, making them the first banking institutions to sign this updated cooperation agreement. The signing takes place precisely in the month marking the 18th anniversary of the publication of the Regional Legislative Decree no.23/2008/A of July 24, the legislation governing the incentive scheme for the purchase of agricultural land, commonly known as RICTA. In view of developments in the financial market since 2011, the Regional Government considered it appropriate to renew the protocols entered into with financial institutions. The aim is to reduce the spread applicable to transactions for the purchase of agricultural land covered by the support schemes managed by IROA. Consequently, the spread has been reset at 1.5%, as opposed to the 3% previously applied. This reduction also enables the IROA to increase its financial resources available to approve new applications under the agricultural land acquisition scheme. During the ceremony, António Ventura emphasised that the partnership with Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo is “a clear sign of confidence on the part of financial institutions in the dynamics of Azorean agricultural entrepreneurs and the strategic importance of the agricultural sector for wealth generation and economic development in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.” The government official also stressed that facilitating access to credit “is essential for the progress of agrifood production, making the land the key asset for the economic viability and sustainability of agricultural holdings.” The Regional Secretary also pointed out that “the Azores are now producing more food from their own land, which is boosting the Region’s food security and contributing to increased self-sufficiency in food production for the local population." So far, 490 applications have been approved under the Credit Support Scheme for Land Acquisition (SICATE) and the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), covering a total area of 2,578.58 hectares. António Ventura also highlighted the role of IROA, S.A., particularly its President, Pedro Ribeiro, in implementing these support mechanisms and carrying out land management and structuring policies in the Region. “IROA, S.A. has been a key partner for Azorean farmers, ensuring close support, technical guidance and solutions that help improve the organisation of agricultural land and promote a more efficient and sustainable use of available resources,” he said. With this protocol update and the reduction in the financial costs associated with the acquisition of agricultural land, the Regional Government is strengthening its strategy towards modernisation, restructuring and sustainability of agricultural holdings, whilst promoting generational renewal and adding value to regional agrifood production.
July 2, 2026
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, presided over the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Government of the Azores, through IROA, S.A., and two regional financial institutions. This measure, which is part of the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), reiterates the Azorean Government’s commitment to agricultural activity in the Region. The protocol was signed by Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, making them the first banking institutions to sign this updated cooperation agreement. The signing takes place precisely in the month marking the 18th anniversary of the publication of the Regional Legislative Decree no.23/2008/A of July 24, the legislation governing the incentive scheme for the purchase of agricultural land, commonly known as RICTA. In view of developments in the financial market since 2011, the Regional Government considered it appropriate to renew the protocols entered into with financial institutions. The aim is to reduce the spread applicable to transactions for the purchase of agricultural land covered by the support schemes managed by IROA. Consequently, the spread has been reset at 1.5%, as opposed to the 3% previously applied. This reduction also enables the IROA to increase its financial resources available to approve new applications under the agricultural land acquisition scheme. During the ceremony, António Ventura emphasised that the partnership with Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo is “a clear sign of confidence on the part of financial institutions in the dynamics of Azorean agricultural entrepreneurs and the strategic importance of the agricultural sector for wealth generation and economic development in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.” The government official also stressed that facilitating access to credit “is essential for the progress of agrifood production, making the land the key asset for the economic viability and sustainability of agricultural holdings.” The Regional Secretary also pointed out that “the Azores are now producing more food from their own land, which is boosting the Region’s food security and contributing to increased self-sufficiency in food production for the local population." So far, 490 applications have been approved under the Credit Support Scheme for Land Acquisition (SICATE) and the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), covering a total area of 2,578.58 hectares. António Ventura also highlighted the role of IROA, S.A., particularly its President, Pedro Ribeiro, in implementing these support mechanisms and carrying out land management and structuring policies in the Region. “IROA, S.A. has been a key partner for Azorean farmers, ensuring close support, technical guidance and solutions that help improve the organisation of agricultural land and promote a more efficient and sustainable use of available resources,” he said. With this protocol update and the reduction in the financial costs associated with the acquisition of agricultural land, the Regional Government is strengthening its strategy towards modernisation, restructuring and sustainability of agricultural holdings, whilst promoting generational renewal and adding value to regional agrifood production.
Nota de Imprensa
June 30, 2026
Regional Government warns against abandoning pets during holidays
With the holiday season approaching, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, urges all pet owners to act responsibly and warns them of the consequences of abandoning pets. Abandonment is an act of irresponsibility and cruelty, with serious consequences for pets, the community and the organisations working daily to protect them. Deprived of basic care, these pets face hunger, thirst, disease, road accidents and violence, and are often unable to survive on their own. In addition to the severe suffering caused to pets, this practice contributes to an increase in the number of stray animals. This situation poses risks to public health and road safety, whilst also placing a strain on Official Animal Collection Centres and animal welfare organisations, which carry out exhaustive, day-to-day work to rehabilitate these animals. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the key message is very clear: “Getting a pet is a decision and a lifelong commitment.” The government official emphasised that adopting or acquiring a pet entails an ongoing duty of care, protection and respect that cannot be neglected whilst families are on holiday. “This is not merely a slogan to raise awareness, but an ethical commitment. Pets depend entirely on their owners for food, healthcare, protection and affection. During the holidays, just as at any other time of year, they deserve to continue receiving the care they need. Taking responsibility for pets means finding suitable solutions for their care whenever the family is away,” defended António Ventura. The Regional Secretary pointed out that there are now various options for balancing holidays with animal welfare. Planning allows people to use pet-friendly accommodation and tourist destinations, pet hotels, temporary shelter services, or even support from family and friends. Alongside its awareness-raising efforts, the Regional Government has been promoting campaigns and providing structural support aimed at the electronic identification and neutering of pets. These preventive measures are essential tools for combating abandonment and promoting animal welfare throughout the archipelago.
June 30, 2026
Regional Government warns against abandoning pets during holidays
With the holiday season approaching, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, urges all pet owners to act responsibly and warns them of the consequences of abandoning pets. Abandonment is an act of irresponsibility and cruelty, with serious consequences for pets, the community and the organisations working daily to protect them. Deprived of basic care, these pets face hunger, thirst, disease, road accidents and violence, and are often unable to survive on their own. In addition to the severe suffering caused to pets, this practice contributes to an increase in the number of stray animals. This situation poses risks to public health and road safety, whilst also placing a strain on Official Animal Collection Centres and animal welfare organisations, which carry out exhaustive, day-to-day work to rehabilitate these animals. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the key message is very clear: “Getting a pet is a decision and a lifelong commitment.” The government official emphasised that adopting or acquiring a pet entails an ongoing duty of care, protection and respect that cannot be neglected whilst families are on holiday. “This is not merely a slogan to raise awareness, but an ethical commitment. Pets depend entirely on their owners for food, healthcare, protection and affection. During the holidays, just as at any other time of year, they deserve to continue receiving the care they need. Taking responsibility for pets means finding suitable solutions for their care whenever the family is away,” defended António Ventura. The Regional Secretary pointed out that there are now various options for balancing holidays with animal welfare. Planning allows people to use pet-friendly accommodation and tourist destinations, pet hotels, temporary shelter services, or even support from family and friends. Alongside its awareness-raising efforts, the Regional Government has been promoting campaigns and providing structural support aimed at the electronic identification and neutering of pets. These preventive measures are essential tools for combating abandonment and promoting animal welfare throughout the archipelago.
