The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced in Santa Cruz da Graciosa that the Government will anticipate the payment of the remaining amounts of POSEI 2018 aid, being a positive measure for the liquidity of farms.
 
"The Regional Government has made a request to the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP) concerning the anticipation of the payment of the remaining amounts, which has been accepted. This decision will improve the liquidity of farms at this time," said João Ponte. The government official Tuesday at the session for the presentation of the amendments to POSEI 2019 programme as part of the Government's statutory visit to Graciosa Island.
 
The government official stated that the payment of the second instalment of the premiums for sheep and goat breeders, initially scheduled for June, will be anticipated to February 28. The same applies to the payment of the aid to pineapple producers, previously scheduled for April.
 
In the case of the aid to tobacco and traditional crops producers, there will only be a single payment, as opposed to previously stipulated payment in two instalments.
 
"Nearly 3,000 farmers will benefit from this measure amounting to 1.7 million Euros. This is good news especially after last year, which was particularly difficult due to the drought that hit the Azores," said João Ponte.
 
The Secretary for Agriculture also stated that the payment of the suckling cow premium and the aid to arable crops producers will be anticipated to March 29. In turn, the aid to the disposal of young bovines from the Azores will be paid in full.
 
The Regional Secretary also announced to Graciosa farmers that the applications for support under the POSEI 2019 programme run until May 15.
 
João Ponte highlighted that this year's programme provides for aid to the inter-island transport of young bovines. It will be applicable to producers from Santa Maria, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo, who export animals for slaughter to the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Pico. This measure aims to encourage the slaughter of animals in the Region as it generates significant gains for the Azorean economy.
 
João Ponte also pointed out the increase of aid to the organic production mode and the exemption of the first 150 thousand litres of milk produced by each farm from apportionment. According to the Regional Government, these are incredibly positive measures for farmers.
 
The allocation of aid under POSEI falls within the European policy to compensate farmers for production in less-favoured and remote areas as well as for production of quality food at affordable prices for all consumers.
 
The POSEI 2019 provides for an overall allocation of almost 70.3 million Euros from the European Union budget, plus 4.8 million Euros from the Regional Budget.