The Regional Director for Agriculture and Rural Development recalled today that the Regional Government's proposal for the revision of the Community programme - POSEI is being discussed with the Azores Agricultural Federation. The final version, which has yet to be concluded, will be submitted to the European Commission.

Fátima Amorim noted the "positive reactions to the document," restating that it still "a working document that has not been finalised."

In this regard, the Regional Director revealed that the Regional Government will meet with the Azores Agricultural Association on Thursday.

The Regional Director was surprised with recent public statements. According to which, "it seems that we are talking about a final document that has already been submitted to the European Commission, which has not happened yet."

Fátima Amorim also contradicted the statements about a hypothetical failure to safeguard this proposal in terms of environmental issues and food safety. In this regard, she assured that "they have been duly safeguarded in the current revision" of POSEI.

Regarding the supplementary premium to extensification, the Regional Director mentioned the "existence of a similar premium in the rural development programme that was submitted to the EU Commission." The government official added that we are now proposing that the funds allocated under POSEI to that premium be transferred to the slaughter premium scheme as well as to the suckling cow premium, which will bring "the same benefits."