The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that the post-2020 CAP is fundamental to ensure that the agricultural sector continues to be the driving force of São Jorge's economy. The government official defended the need for the Government, associations, cooperatives and farmers to continue coordinating efforts.
 
"Agriculture continues to be the main pillar of the Azorean economic system in which milk production and its derivatives are determinant for the sustainable development of the territory, thus generating jobs and promoting the integration and well-being of the populations," said João Ponte. In this context, he stressed that the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is essential to continue ensuring a strong agriculture in the Azores and, in particular, on the island of São Jorge.
 
João Ponte spoke on Wednesday during the forum on "Challenges of Agriculture on the island of São Jorge and the future of the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy," which took place in Calheta, São Jorge Island.
 
Taking into consideration the gross revenue from milk production in 2017, the volume of cheese sales registered by cooperatives and the amount of POSEI and PRORURAL+ aid, the Secretary for Agriculture emphasised the overall gross revenue of more than 30 million Euros.
 
"This amount clearly demonstrates the importance of the agricultural sector on the island of São Jorge. It requires that all entities - Government, associations, cooperatives and farmers - should continue working together in order to increase the competitiveness of this sector and, consequently, the income of all the agents involved in the value chain," defended João Ponte.
 
On the other hand, the Regional Secretary highlighted the "positive path" followed by São Jorge cooperatives in recent years, concluding that "the strategy adopted by the Regional Government was successful and allowed the restructuring of cheese production on São Jorge."
 
"The cooperatives were financially restructured. Cheese factories were modernised with considerable improvements in sanitary conditions," the government official said, adding that "this project is yet to be completed but is already successful."
 
João Ponte pointed out that the island of São Jorge produces cheese of "excellence with tradition, history and recognised quality that conquer s the loyalty of consumers." However, "we must continue working to strengthen our presence in distribution channels, enhance the visibility, investment in direct actions directed to consumers and strategic partners to consolidate the national market and grow internationally."
 
The Regional Secretary stated that this challenge is on the side of industry, but assured that the Azorean Government is available to help, as it was the recent case of the aid granted to Uniqueijo for the organisation of a national campaign to promote São Jorge cheese.
 
As for the meat industry, João Ponte announced that the Government will launch next year the procedures for the redevelopment project of São Jorge Slaughterhouse, which will be carried out in the next Community Support Framework, i.e., after 2020.
 
"The São Jorge Slaughterhouse is an increasingly important infrastructure for the agricultural sector. In two years, the number of animals slaughtered increased from 2,277 to 3,960. Last year, 70% were for export," stressed João Ponte.