The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources, Luís Neto Viveiros, revealed on Friday that the application procedures to the Programme for the Rural Development of the Azores (PRORURAL) may be subject to a revision under the future Community Support Network (CSF).

"If better solutions are found, we can adopt them" as there is always room for "improvement," Luís Neto Viveiros defended, speaking to journalists at the end of an audience with MEP Maria do Céu Patrão Neves that took place in Ponta Delgada on Friday.

The Regional Secretary considered the fact that the funds allocated under PRORUAL are virtually exhausted as "a positive aspect," which evidences that numerous projects submitted by Azorean farmers have been supported by this programme.

PRORURAL estimated a public expenditure of 345 million Euros for the seven year period of the current Community Support Framework (2007-2013), of which 294 million Euros were subsidised by the European Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD); the remaining amount was allocated by the Regional Government.

"The situation is the result of a high rate of implementation of the projects supported by this programme and it demonstrates that farmers have invested and modernised their farms" in addition to promoting the diversification of production," stated Luís Neto Viveiros.

The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources reiterated his intention to continue "working together" with MEPs on a regular basis in order to ensure the defence of the Region's interests among EU decision-making centres in face of the coming revision of support policies in fundamental sectors such as the, Agriculture, Fisheries, Sea Affairs and Environment.