The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forests stated in Angra do Heroísmo that the Azores Fair confers prestige to agriculture in the archipelago insofar as it promotes and stimulates the excellence of producers and the industry. The event will be a major showcase of the progress registered by the sector.
 
"This agricultural fair celebrates the agriculture of the Azores as a whole, promoting and stimulating the excellence and dedication of farmers, producers and industry since it distinguishes and presents good products while opening the sector to the entire community," said João Ponte. The government official spoke at a press conference for the presentation of the event, which take place at Terceira Multisectoral Park from June 15 to 17.
 
For three days, the development and progress of agriculture in the archipelago will showcased without ever forgetting future challenges in order to make the sector more competitive with better income for farmers and ensure its future sustainability."
 
The Azores Fair 2018 follows the European Commission's announcement of cuts in the budget of the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy. However, João Ponte reiterated that this proposal has yet to be closed.
 
In this regard, the Regional Secretary added that there will be new negotiation phases involving Member States and the European Parliament, ensuring that the Regional Government will do everything to defend Azorean farmers.
 
"We do not want the fair to be overshadowed by this fact. On the contrary, it must be a celebration, a moment to show the strength of the sector, the strength and the courage of those who work in agriculture on a daily basis and have overcome all the challenges we have faced," said the government official.
 
João Ponte revealed that the programme of the fair is "very diverse and comprehensive in order to attract all kinds of audiences to Vinha Brava." It includes contests, exhibitions and concerts.
 
The Azores Fair 2018 will have a total covered area of about 10,000 square metres.
 
This year, the Azores Fair will take place in the newly opened Multisectoral Park on Terceira. According to João Ponte, this venue has "conditions of excellence for the hosting large exhibition events in several areas of activity, which was a long-sought ambition of all economic agents on this island."
 
"It is a space with optimal conditions for holding large exhibition events in various areas of activity," João Ponte said, adding that, from the Regional Government's standpoint, this infrastructure dignifies the agricultural sector as well as all economic activities.
 
João Ponte also stated that the Government launches today an advertising campaign on the radio, television and newspapers to promote the event. This initiative is jointly organised by the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, the Azores Agricultural Federation and Terceira Agricultural Association.