The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced today that the proposed revision of POSEI for 2018 in the meat sector provides, for example, an amendment to the premium for slaughter of cattle that includes the exemption of the first 10 animals from apportionment.
 
"Naturally, this measure is important for the Regional Government because it benefits all farmers, especially those who slaughter less than 10 animals during the year, which corresponds to 65% of all applications," said João Ponte. The government official spoke after a visit to cutting room of Pico Slaughterhouse, operated by VerdeAtlântico Cooperative, under the Government's statutory visit to the island of Pico.
 
The government official also stated that payments of the cattle slaughter premium will be made in two distinct phases. The first will be made in October 2018, which will correspond to 70% of slaughters registered in the first semester, while the remaining amount will be paid in March 2019.
 
João Ponte pointed out that the production of meat is different from the production of milk. While milk producers receive monthly, meat producers only receive when the sale is made, hence the justification for making this change.
 
"This is a positive aspect welcomed the very favourable opinion of associations related to the sector," said the Regional Secretary, adding that the minimum deadline for the animals to slaughter premium will increase from eight to seven months.
 
On the other hand, João Ponte pointed out that the slaughter premium will be closed, that is, the redistribution of the remaining amount will be made in a year when there are fewer slaughters and when the available budget is not exhausted.
 
The government official met today with the Board of VerdeAtlântico. He pointed out that the current projects of this cooperative to find new operators and markets that value these products, namely those related to meat cutting, will require new investments, such as the refrigerator tunnel and a metal detector for the cutting room of Pico Slaughterhouse.
 
"These are strategic and important investments for the consolidation of the businesses activity of VerdeAtlântico as well as for the development of the meat sector in the island of Pico," said João Ponte. He added that the business activities the Cooperative is conducting with new operators, besides being important for the enhancement of the local meat industry, will contribute to the projection of the meat produced in the Azores.
 
In 2016, 65% of the carcasses slaughtered and approved for consumption were exported.