The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stressed the importance of agriculture for the economic development of the archipelago as well as the dynamics and evolution registered by this sector in recent years. This is visible both in the Azores and on the island of Faial, which will host the Azores Fair in 2019.
 
"If add up the revenue from milk production in the last year to the amount paid by CALF plant to producers and the aid from POSEI and PRORURAL +, we are talking about 10 million Euros that are generated in the economy of Faial," said João Ponte. He spoke last Sunday on the sidelines of the "Rural World Meeting" held in Horta.
 
The nearly 100 milk producers on Faial deliver about 12 million litres of milk annually, corresponding to 2% of the regional production.
 
João Ponte reiterated the importance of increasing milk production on Faial in order to render the industry profitable and, simultaneously, the investment of CALF plant in dairy products with potential market value.
 
The Regional Secretary also highlighted the growth registered by the meat sector, recalling the Government's investment in the regional network of slaughterhouses. In this regard, he added that the new slaughterhouse of Faial, with an estimated budget of 4.8 million Euros, "will open in a few weeks in order to respond to the growth dynamics in this area."
 
"In the last three years, the number of cattle slaughtered increased by 60%, which shows the significant evolution of the meat sector on Faial Island," the government official stated, adding that "about 30% of the animals slaughtered last year were for export."
 
On the last three days of the "Rural World Meeting," João Ponte considered that this is a "very positive" event, being regarded as an "important moment to show the dynamics and evolution of the agricultural sector in recent years." The initiative was organised by Horta City Hall in collaboration with the Regional Government and other partners.
 
For João Ponte, the rain that fell on the last day of this event is of "paramount importance for the entire agricultural sector." In this context, he expressed the desire that the rain that fell on Faial last Sunday may also reach the eastern islands, thus putting an end to a situation that is becoming difficult due to the prolonged drought.
 
The Secretary for Agriculture also mentioned that the remodelling and rehabilitation projects for São Lourenço Manor and Chapel and for Faial Exhibition Pavilion located within Quinta de São Lourenço are in the process of being concluded. As he mentioned, the Regional Government intends to "put the work to tender as soon as possible so that it may be completed by 2019."
 
If it is not possible, João Ponte assured "the Government's determination to improve the conditions of this excellent venue for the organisation of events, such as the "Rural World Meeting," the "Azores Fair" or others.