The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that the Government will invest over 300 thousand Euros in training courses for farmers on various subjects that will cover another 4,200 trainees between 2017 and 2018.
 
"In two years, the Regional Government will invest over 300 thousand Euros in training courses that will cover another 4,200 trainees, whether they are full-time farmers or not," stressed João Ponte. He added that this is an investment "in the future of agriculture, farmers and of a sector with enhanced quality and food safety."
 
João Ponte spoke Thursday at the headquarters of the Village Council of Maia during the delivery ceremony of diplomas to the participants who completed the training course for the application of plant health products.
 
In recent years, training activities have taken place in areas as diverse as sheep and goat breeding, beef cattle, dairy cattle, horticulture, fruit growing and plant health products, among others.
 
In this context, the government official stressed that farmers should engage in training so that they may be better prepared to meet the challenges of the sector, be more competitive and increase profitability.
 
"Farmers who invest in their training will be able and better prepared to respond to the challenges of the sector, which will allow them to become more competitive and boost the profitability of their farms," said João Ponte.
 
On the other hand, the Regional Secretary emphasised that the training course for the application of plant health products increases the awareness of participants on the handling of chemical products and their correct application.
 
According to João Ponte, this guarantees the existence of products of even higher quality that are in line with food safety rules. He recalled that, currently, consumers are increasingly concerned with the issue of food safety and, in this context, the sector has to adapt itself and keep up with market demands.
 
The Secretary for Agriculture Ministry highlighted the good collaboration of local authorities, namely the Village Council of Maia, with the Regional Government in several areas, such as agricultural roads, distribution of rodent control products and the training of farmers.