The Regional Government signed today in Lagido, municipality of Madalena, 22 new projects for the recovery of vineyards on Pico in a total area of 18.35 hectares, corresponding to a financial support over 366 thousand Euros.

The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources highlighted the interest and commitment of Pico's wine producers in the recovery of vineyards. This culture has a profitability potential and, simultaneously, allows the recovery of the island's landscape heritage.

Speaking at the ceremony, Luís Neto Viveiros noted that the number of applications submitted in the four months of 2013 was higher than the total applications submitted in 2012 and cover a larger area.

According to the Regional Secretary, another five applications were submitted last week, corresponding to an area of approximately 4.86 hectares.
This year, the Government of the Azores intends to invest over 800 thousand Euros in Pico Vineyard Culture under the incentive schemes in force, revealed Luís Neto Viveiros.

The Regional Secretary also pointed out that the Regional Directorate for the Environment is carrying out the evaluation process concerning the Land Management Plan of the Protected Landscape of Pico Vineyard Culture. The process is expected to be completed by early summer, being followed by the revision of this management plan in order to "further promote the maintenance and recovery of the vineyard landscape, turning it into one of the most important economic and social development hubs of Pico Island and the Azores as well."

The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources added that "since the inception of support mechanisms and until the end of 2012, the Government has supported the recovery of over 51 hectares of vineyards and ensured the maintenance of an area over 180 hectares, thus halting vineyard abandonment and keeping alive a unique landscape with a growing economic and social relevance."

According to Luís Neto Viveiros, the financial support allocated for the recovery of vineyard culture on the island of Pico over the years has reached three million Euros.