Regional Government paid 1.9 million Euros in arrears to slaughterhouse workers - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Regional Government has fulfilled its agreement with slaughterhouse workers in the Region by paying arrears amounting to 1.9 million Euros for 2024, which were settled in June.

This payment follows Regional Legislative Decree No. 11/2024/A of November 21, which establishes the new legal scheme regulating the special career of workers at the slaughterhouses within the regional slaughter network. Since the beginning of 2025, the Regional Government has been paying the new salaries resulting from this amendment.

The appointment was confirmed today by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture, António Ventura, who visited the Terceira Island Slaughterhouse. In this context, a meeting was held with the Board of Directors of the Institute for Food and Agricultural Markets (IAMA, IPRA) to analyse the results for the first six months of 2025 in the beef sector, with encouraging data for the regional economy.

Among the positive indicators, the 8% growth in the shipment of beef carcasses in containers stands out, compared to the same period in 2024. This increase represents a strengthening of the Region's export capacity, consolidating the presence of Azorean meat in external markets and ensuring greater sales for local production, with a direct impact on product value, increased revenue and stability in the regional livestock sector.

Similarly, the slaughter of cattle certified under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) registered a 21% increase compared to 2020, demonstrating not only the consolidation of differentiated production but also the growing recognition of the quality and authenticity of Azorean meat. 

This growth in PGI certification demonstrates greater appreciation among consumers, loyalty in premium markets and protection of the regional productive identity in European and international markets.

After all slaughterhouses in the Region were certified for animal welfare last year, the slaughterhouses on the islands of Pico, Faial, Graciosa and Flores are now in the process of renewing that certification.

“This international recognition highlights a collective effort to promote ethical practices in animal production, which are increasingly valued by consumers. The Azores are establishing themselves as a region that respects animals, values quality and responds to new market demands,” emphasised António Ventura.

The work done by CERCA – Regional Strategy Centre for Meat in the Azores has been a key part of this journey. It has become a fundamental technical and strategic structure for planning, monitoring, and promoting the Azorean meat sector.

“CERCA has been a pillar in building a more solid and modern sector that is aligned with current challenges. Its effort in promoting initiatives to enhance the value of Azorean meat by liaising with producers and implementing the Strategic Plan for the Beef Sector has been essential to the results we are presenting today,” concluded the Regional Secretary.