The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry highlighted in Ponta Delgada the importance of raising the awareness of new generations for the benefits of organic farming, which will contribute to the development of a better environment, public health and food safety.
 
"It is important that these new generations may now acquire knowledge to be put into practice in the future," said João Ponte. He spoke during the signing of a collaboration protocol between the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry and Colégio Castanheiro School in order to promote organic farming practices.
 
The Regional Secretary emphasised that this is a "far reaching project" that contributes positively to the environment, public health and food safety, through the promotion of organic farming practices.
 
"The Regional Government welcomes the interest of Colégio Castanheiro School in this matter and the desire to raise student's awareness for the benefits of organic farming," said João Ponte. In this context, the government official added that the European Commission welcomes and strengthens the role of organic farming in the future in its communication on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
 
The Secretary for Agriculture reiterated that the Region is developing a strategic plan for the promotion of organic farming with various partners in the organic farming sector. The document will be made public in March.
 
Promoting the expansion of organic production areas, increasing agricultural and agri-food production and supply, disseminating technical/scientific knowledge and raising the level of expertise on organic production in the archipelago are strategic goals of this plan.
 
The Azores went from 22 organic farmers in 2005 to 85 in 2016, corresponding to an area that grew from 68 to 670 hectares in the same period of time.
 
Regarding the protocol signed today, João Ponte stated that he provides technical support for the maintenance of the school's organic vegetable garden, the transfer of plants and seeds by the São Miguel Agrarian Development Service and the promotion of biweekly practical sessions on organic farming techniques aimed at students.
 
The Colégio Castanheiro School in Ponta Delgada has an environmental park, where preschool, elementary school and middle school students develop educational projects and activities related to organic farming.
 
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry visited the school's environmental park, becoming acquainted with the work that students develop in that place.