The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry reiterated on São Miguel the challenge launched to the industry to make adjustments in the price of milk paid to producers, noting that the evolution of markets has created the necessary conditions for this.
 
"Markets, the promotion of milk products and the efforts of industries to make adjustments in the price of milk are the main challenges of the present moment," said João Ponte. The government official spoke on the sidelines of a visit to farms located in the village of Arrifes, municipality of Ponta Delgada.
 
João Ponte stressed that production should be compensated for what it produces and for its quality in order to reduce the price differential regarding the amounts paid to milk producers in the Azores and Portugal, which is at two cents per litre, and in other European countries.
 
"We understand that, with the positive evolution registered in markets, there are conditions for an adjustment in milk prices," João Ponte said, stressing the importance of an increase in profitability for Azorean producers.
 
At the end of this visit to two family farms, which are a benchmark for their commitment to quality, animal genetics and profitability, the government official stressed the importance of being on the field to listen to the wishes, difficulties and challenges of farmers.
 
"This is a noble political- activity and falls under the powers and responsibilities of the Regional Secretary who oversees agricultural affairs. This is what we expect from politicians too," said João Ponte.
 
Regarding POSEI, the government official clarified that the financial envelope will reach 70.4 million Euros by 2020. In this context, he stressed that it is not right to say the agricultural sector has lost eight million Euros, nor can it remain in the public mind that this amount was spent in other areas of governance.
 
"In fact, we have produced more than the units of reference concerning the allocations under POSEI. In the end, as aid is granted in accordance with production, producers will receive less per unit of production," João Ponte explained, adding that apportionment of funds has always existed.
 
The Regional Secretary highlighted the apportionment in the slaughter premium, which was implemented this year. This measure is the result of a "considerable" increase in production of animals for slaughter and export.
 
"According to our estimates, we are talking about 8 to 20 million Euros in income for farmers due to these slaughters. This has an impact on the economy, such as, for example, the increase in the sale of animal feed," said the government official.
 
With regard to the dairy cow premium, João Ponte recalled the Regional Government's commitment to pay 45 Euros per animal, which was fulfilled in 2015 and 2016.
 
As for 2017, he assured that the Government is monitoring the evolution of milk price market and, in due time, will decide whether to apply this additional aid once again.