The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in Santarém that the Azorean products featured at the National Agricultural Fair, through the stand of São Miguel Agricultural Association, is an important moment to promote the excellence of what is produced in the archipelago.
 
"This National Agricultural Fair is a very special showcase for the promotion of the excellence of Azorean products, highlighting what is produced in the Region and the quality of our products," said João Ponte. He spoke at the end of a visit to the stand of São Miguel Agricultural Association at the 55th National Agricultural Fair running until Sunday.
 
The government official stressed that this visit intends to highlight and recognise the importance of agriculture for regional economy, the impact of the sector nationwide and the contribution provided by São Miguel Agricultural Association to the promotion of Azorean productions.
 
Simultaneously, the presence of Azorean products at this fair enables the proximity to consumers and generates business opportunities.
 
"For all this, the Regional Government welcomes the strategy adopted by São Miguel Agricultural Association, as producers' organisation, by participating and representing the Azores in the country's largest agricultural fair," said the government official.
 
If the Azores want to attract more consumers, win new markets, promote the quality of productions and enhance the value of quality production, the Regional Secretary considered they must participate in events such as this one taking place in Santarém.
 
João Ponte stated that the indicators of the agricultural sector from last year are positive. In this context, he noted that milk production increased, the dairy industry turnover grew by 4% compared to 2016, cheese production also increased, and the processing of drinking milk and milk powder reduced.
 
"However, we are still not able to sufficiently value the price of milk paid to producers," the government official said. As he noted, "achieving fairer prices that allow producers to boost their income and ensure the sustainability of this important sector for the economic development of the Region" is a major challenge that must involve and mobilise all actors in the dairy industry.
 
The National Agricultural Fair attracts nearly 200 thousand visitors on an annual basis and comprises seven hundred exhibitors. The São Miguel Agricultural Association is installed in an area of about 143 square metres, where products such as milk, cheese and meat are on display.