Regional Government to draw up 10-year strategic plan for Animal Welfare - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, is seeking to establish a think tank with the aim of developing a 10-year strategic plan dedicated to Animal Welfare in the Region.

The announcement was made by the Regional Secretary, António Ventura, during the opening session of the seminar “Agricultural Sustainability in the Azores: Science, Public Policy and Land Protection,” which brought together experts and public authorities at the Angra do Heroísmo Cultural and Conference Centre.

For the government official, “sustainability in agriculture and livestock farming goes hand in hand with animal protection, which is a strategic priority in a Region whose economy fundamentally depends on the quality and care taken in production.”

The new strategic plan is intended to encompass production animals, pets and animals kept for recreational purposes in an integrated manner, ensuring a comprehensive approach for the coming decade.

The implementation of this strategy will be supported by a multidisciplinary think tank, which will bring together various stakeholders, including the GNR (National Republican Guard).

Security forces play a key role in this area. They are responsible for managing the SOS Animal helpline and environmental enforcement across the archipelago, with specialist technical teams based in São Miguel, Terceira and Faial, and military personnel with environmental training stationed across the other islands.

During the seminar, attended by representatives from the University of the Azores, the Terceira Island Agricultural Association and various local authorities, it was emphasised that agricultural sustainability requires a vision that brings together scientific research, the implementation of public policies and the active protection of the Region.

Enforcement and strict compliance with current legislation were also key topics of the debate, underlining the commitment of public bodies to ensuring compliance and excellence in current practices across the Region.

With this initiative, the Regional Government reiterates its determination to raise animal welfare standards, consolidating good practices as a pillar of competitiveness and a quality seal for Azorean agriculture in the global market.