“Sustainable water management is main pillar of agriculture in the future,” emphasises António Ventura - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Graciosa Farmers' Association, in partnership with the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food, promoted on Wednesday the colloquium "Management and Sustainable Water Use in Agriculture" at the Santa Cruz Cultural Centre. The initiative was promoted as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

The meeting brought together researchers, technicians, farmers and regional entities to reflect on good practices, technological innovation and sustainability in the use of water resources applied to agriculture.

"Efficient water management is one of the main challenges for agriculture in the Azores. It is particularly relevant on the island of Graciosa, where limited water resources require innovative solutions, rigorous planning and responsible use," stated António Ventura, Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food.

The colloquium covered the Farmer Training and Sustainable Production and Consumption Literacy Promotion Programme, provided for in Measure C05-i05-RAA-m02 – “Public investment in R&D&I and the dual green and digital transition,” which falls under Investment C05-i05-RAA – Economic Relaunch of Azorean Agriculture.

The programme aims to provide knowledge transfer actions covering the main agricultural sectors and responding to the needs of farmers and technical services.

This event was an opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to sustainability, contributing to the goals associated with EarthCheck certification, awarded to the Region in 2024, which recognises good practices in integrated natural resource management.

With an estimated 100 participants, the event seeks to engage the agricultural and technical community in a discussion that is essential to ensuring the future of Azorean agriculture — one that is more resilient, efficient, and aligned with EU climate and environmental challenges.