Persistence and determination of Regional Government and producers in the promotion of the cheese of S. Jorge
On Wednesday afternoon, in the island of S. Jorge, the President of the Regional Government of the Azores emphasised that the inauguration of the new cheese factory of the Cooperativa Agricola de Lacticinos dos Lourais was not, after all, just another inauguration.
In truth, he said, "this ceremony in one of the most important steps in the implementation of the strategic plan that was outlined by the Regional Government with a view to rehabilitating the milk sector in that island. It is a victory of good sense, persistence and of the determination of that resulted from the joint efforts of the Regional Government and cheese producers of S. Jorge."
The President underlined that throughout this process it was necessary to instil confidence in the milk sector, assuring the timely payment of their deliveries to the milk-processing industry, which benefited from an ongoing process of financial rationalisation. Carlos César underlined the importance and righteousness of the policy towards producers' co-operatives that had been neglected by those that, having done nothing to promote the interests of the sector, never cease to criticise governmental policy, without presenting a single solution or alternative."
Almost three million and seven hundred thousand euros were invested in the new cheese factory of the Cooperativa dos Lourais. The Regional Government supported this project with more than two million and seven hundred thousand euros, after the coming into effect of a protocol signed in the past year between the Government and the co-operative with a view to assisting it to surpass its financial and economic difficulties.
The President said that the essential requisites for the promotion of the brand "cheese of S. Jorge" have now been addressed but he called for the commitment of all those involved, beginning with the producers that, in his view, should persist with their concerns over the quality of mill that is delivered to the industry, with the adoption of rigourous production and storage processes and, finally, in the implementation of the best commercial and consumption practices.
The Regional Government has made available free grants to all measures to improve the access of products to the market, namely with regard to branding and packaging as well as with regard to measures to divulge and promote these products, which should emphasise the status of the products and their notoriety.
The President said, " There are difficulties in this sector but the Regional Government has provided the means and opportunities to surpass these essential challenges for the economy and prosperity of the people of S. Jorge. The farmers of S- Jorge and the Regional Government now know that they can count on each other."