Applications open for associations and cooperatives to submit rural development projects - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

Applications are now open for agricultural associations and cooperatives to receive support for developing projects in agriculture, animal husbandry and rural development, as well as projects for the management and promotion of forestry and hunting resources.

The support will be granted through programme contracts to be signed between the beneficiary entities and the Autonomous Region of the Azores. These contracts will set out the rights and obligations of the parties, the amount of support and the terms of payment, the measures for monitoring and controlling the implementation of the support granted and the penalty system in the event of non-compliance.

Access to the application forms and their submission, including all the required documents, must be done electronically at https://e-form.azores.gov.pt/apoioscooperativas24.

The deadline for the submission of applications is set at 20 calendar days from the date of entry into force of the respective ordinance.

According to the regulations published in the Official Journal, this support, in the form of a non-refundable subsidy, is aimed at implementing development actions and projects to support the technical and economic management of farms. It intends to improve the living and working conditions of farmers, promoting environmental protection, animal welfare, and good farming practices, as well as developing forestry and hunting resources.

The following projects are also eligible for support: actions to promote food safety, information and awareness-raising and the exchange of technical and scientific knowledge in agricultural and forestry matters, including with school communities; genetic preservation and improvement; the promotion and marketing of regional products, including cultural and gastronomic events, particularly quality regional products, namely PDO and PGI-certified regional agrifood products, in addition to DO and GI-certified wines.

Support will also be granted to projects aimed at promoting research, development and innovation in the agricultural and forestry sectors, including cooperation with research organisations.

Promoting a smart, competitive, resilient and diversified agricultural sector, in addition to consolidating the social and economic fabric of rural areas and protecting the environment, including biodiversity and climate action, are the main general goals to be achieved by the policies pursued by the Regional Government. They are aligned with the Common Agricultural Policy goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In this regard, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food believes these goals are particularly relevant for an outermost and predominantly rural area such as the Autonomous Region of the Azores. This region faces natural challenges, with agriculture and rural areas being crucial for the well-being and development of the population and territories. Therefore, it is important to support them so that they can provide essential services to the rural communities they serve.

Associations and cooperatives aiming to develop the agricultural or agrifood sector have proven to be essential in the rural development of the nine islands, due to their representativeness and proximity to the agricultural production. As such, it is crucial that they receive support to pursue these goals as part of their activities.