The President of the Government announced today that over 326 hectares of vineyards are being recovered. This growth is the result of the successful strategy intended to enhance the wine sector, as provided in the Azorean Agenda for Employment Creation and Business Competitiveness.
 
"We have more than 326 hectares of vineyards under recovery. Between 2009 and 2013, a total of 10 percent was recovered, that, about 34 hectares. The figures clearly demonstrate not only the work that is being carried out, but, above all, the adherence to this meritorious and successful strategy," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
The President of the Government spoke at the signing ceremony of funding contracts with eight Graciosa producers. These contracts were signed under the regional incentive scheme for the maintenance of traditional vineyard culture landscapes in "currais" (plots protected by stone walls), terraces traditional orchards located in protected landscape areas.
 
In the beginning of the statutory visit to Graciosa, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that "he is pleased" to note that, for the first time, local farmers have adhered to this regional incentive scheme that allows the coordination of several components - wine production, tourism and the environment.
 
"Like other islands, Graciosa is included in the investment component, the President of the Government stressed, highlighting that dynamics in this area is the result of other measures, such as the support system for Azorean products.
 
According to Vasco Cordeiro, this strategy is also a way to promote regional cohesion through concrete measures for employment creation, wealth generation and maintenance of populations in their areas of residence.
 
In addition to the regional incentive scheme, Azorean producers have at their disposal in the Community-funded VITIS Programme. To date, the projects submitted under this programme amount to nine million Euros, while, during the implementation period of the last Community Framework, the support allocated only reached 400 thousand Euros.
 
On the morning of the first day of the statutory visit, Vasco Cordeiro also met with agricultural associations and farmers of Graciosa Island, at a meeting that addressed several matters related to the sector.
 
One should note that the Regional Government will invest nearly 5.5 million Euros in the construction of a new slaughterhouse. The respective public tender has already been launched and will be followed by the procedures of the Court of Auditors.
 
"From our standpoint, we favour the slaughter on the island because it will bring more income for producers," said Vasco Cordeiro.