The Regional Director for Agriculture highlighted in Horta the contribution that agricultural cooperatives have provided to the increased economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Azores.
 
"Cooperatives, namely agricultural cooperatives, as companies based on important ethical values have greatly contributed to the increased economic, social and territorial cohesion in our Region," said José Élio Ventura, who spoke during the celebrations of the Farmer's Day, an event organised by Faial Young Farmers' Association.
 
In his speech on "The Cooperative system and its importance today," the Regional Director emphasised the importance to ensure "a functional and productive management and specialisation in order to guarantee the sustainability and profitability" of agriculture in view of the challenges that markets are constantly facing.
 
In this regard, José Élio Ventura stated that PAGOP - Support Program for the Management of Producer Organisations is already available. It aims to provide these organisations with the technical staff they need, while providing these technicians with the means to find an attractive project and a productive and better-paid job.
 
According to the Regional Director for Agriculture, the agricultural cooperatives involved in the processing and marketing of milk and dairy products as well as the market for production factors and agricultural equipment are particularly relevant in the Azores rather than the structures associated with the slaughter, cutting and marketing of beef.
 
Furthermore, the government official stressed that "the pillars of the cooperative sector are based on the spirit of self-help and responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity."