The Regional Director for Agriculture stated on Terceira Island that the "Dairy4Future" project, which includes the Azores, is an important moment for the identification of innovative practices in dairy farms at European level as well as for the exchange of knowledge among producers.
 
"This project will involve seven farms from Terceira and eight from São Miguel. It is intended to foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences towards the improvement of efficiency and competitiveness of other farms linked to the sector, through the transfer of innovative practices," said José Élio Ventura. He spoke Thursday at the presentation session of this project that takes place for the first time in Portugal.
 
The Regional Director highlighted the number of countries involved, regions, associated partners and producers, which account for more than 20% of the total milk produced in the European Union. According to him, these figures give credibility to the project and reinforce the interest of the Region's participation.
 
"I am sure that this project will also provide its contribution in terms of perceiving the different realities of our European partners that are closest to us and share our Atlantic dimension," stressed José Élio Ventura.
 
In his speech, the government official highlighted the positive path of milk production in the Azores arising from the strategy implemented by the Regional Government in partnership with producers' organisations. This is also the result of the efforts and professionalism of different generations of farmers who have invested in the modernisation, genetics and efficiency of their farms.
 
"Therefore, the Azores have become a relevant part of this project that has awakened their attention," the Regional Director said, highlighting the excellence of milk production in the archipelago.
 
"Milk production has grown about 3.5% on Terceira Island last year and farmers are prepared for a new cycle of development," said José Élio Ventura. In this context, he restated that milk production in the Azores is carried out with knowledge and great passion, but it is necessary to acquire a new dimension, adopt other practices and learn from other European producers, hence the importance of this project.