The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today that improving farmers' working conditions and reducing production costs are permanent commitments of the Regional Government, acknowledging their contribution to the development of the sector and improving the income of producers. 

"As we recognise that we still need to do more and better, we can say that the investment in agricultural roads, water supply and farm electrification is a permanent commitment of the Regional Government, which will continue in the near future, with the implementation of a new Community support framework," said João Ponte. In this regard, he highlighted the priority that will have to be given to the increase of water supply and storage, which is fundamental to the competitiveness of any farm. 

The government official spoke at the opening of the Marialves agricultural road located in the Agrarian Planning Perimeter of Ponta Delgada Dairy Basin. This investment of more than 117 thousand Euros covered an extension of about 800 metres, benefitting more than a dozen farms in an area of 39 hectares. 

"This is another work at the service of the agricultural sector and farmers, which falls within a series of other investments that are being implemented throughout the Region. Only on the island of São Miguel, more than 10 million Euros will be invested in roads, water supply and electrification of farms during this legislative term, representing an increase of 40% over the amount invested in the last term," stressed João Ponte on the first day of the Regional Government's visit to the island of São Miguel.
 
João Ponte also highlighted the relevance and the coordination efforts between the Regional Government and producers' organisations in the development of the agricultural sector. In this context, he also mentioned the need to continue reinforcing the strategic partnership with the Local Government in terms of improving agricultural infrastructures, namely roads and water supply. 

Also, today, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry will visit the site of the redevelopment works of the road layout next to Ribeira do Lagos stream and the ongoing works in Loural road, both in the municipality of Povoação, an overall investment of 199 thousand Euros that will benefit two dozen farmers in an area of 27 hectares.