The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry assured today that the Azorean Government intends to maintain next year the public investment effort in modernising Graciosa's agricultural infrastructures, with special emphasis on the upgrading of agricultural roads, improvement of water supply. These investments are crucial to the competitiveness of farms and, thereby, to farmers' income.
 
"The Regional Government wants to maintain next year the same public investment dynamics on the island of Graciosa in terms of improving agricultural accessibility and the supply network, thus ensuring a better future for farmers," said João Ponte.
 
The Secretary for Agriculture spoke at the end of a visit to the rehabilitation works of Canada da Serra forest road in the village of Guadalupe, covering an extension of 653 metres, which represents an investment of 294 thousand Euros.
 
For the government official, these are fundamental investments that comply with the strategy of development and modernisation of agricultural infrastructures planned by the Regional Government. They will provide Graciosa's farmers with better working conditions and strengthen the agricultural sector to face future challenges with a view to creating the conditions to reduce production costs and improve farm efficiency.
 
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry considered that the fact that Azores make full use of PRORURAL+ funds as regards the measure to support the improvement and development of infrastructures is “very positive and evidences the good use of EU funds.”
 
“With the approval of the next Regional Plan, PRORURAL+ will be fully committed to finance the improvement and development of agricultural infrastructures, such as roads, water and electricity supply to farms,” revealed João Ponte. As for Graciosa, 21 applications have already been approved under PRORURAL+ measure 4.1, which concerns the modernisation of agricultural infrastructure, representing an overall investment of more than two million Euros.
 
The Regional Secretary also met this morning with the boards of Graciosa Farmers' Association and Graciosa Young Farmers' Association, challenging producers to make better use of the island's modern agricultural infrastructures.
 
“The public investment in the modernisation of infrastructures, such as the new Graciosa Island Winery and Cooperative, the new slaughterhouse or the improvement of accessibility, is of no use if this is not accompanied by an increase in agricultural production. Indeed, this will secure a return on the investments made,” said João Ponte. On the occasion, he challenged young people to join the agricultural sector.
 
In this regard, the Regional Secretary revealed that Graciosa has already approved three projects to support the installation of young farmers under PRORURAL+ (measure 6.1), amounting to 143 thousand Euros.
 
João Ponte highlighted the potential of the agricultural sector on Graciosa, whether in milk and meat production or in agricultural diversification, as the future depends on farmers' ability to believe and investment in increasing the quality of their productions.