António Ventura presents agricultural reality of the Azores to the Canary Islands government official - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, received the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Government of the Canary Islands, Eduardo Cabello, in Horta on Wednesday.

This is a strategic visit, during which the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Canary Islands has had the opportunity to learn about the regional agricultural reality.

These working days are intended to establish protocols and technical training exchanges on various agricultural topics, namely diversified production in tropical and subtropical fruit growing, plant health, the control of new diseases arising from climate change, and the implementation of experimental fields for new food crops.

"This is an opportunity for the Autonomous Region of the Azores to boost competitiveness and innovation in the agricultural sector and strengthen cooperation among the outermost regions," stressed António Ventura.

It was agreed to tackle attempts to reduce CAP funding and to seek the maintenance of the POSEI programme on an individual basis, with a request for an increase in its budget, in accordance with Article 349 of the Treaty on European Union.

“It is crucial to bring agricultural trade between the two regions closer, taking into account the complementary food products that each can provide. The Azorean economy is beginning to explore new areas, promoting its regional and global capacity with confidence, anticipating new fundamental and strategic opportunities,” continued António Ventura.

The delegation from the Canary Islands began its visit on Wednesday. It will continue until Saturday, covering Faial, Pico and São Miguel, with a wide-ranging and intensive programme covering various aspects of the agricultural sector.