The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry revealed today that the Regional Government wants to certify banana as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product, thereby creating added value for this fruit and improving producers' income.
 
"The PGI designation is an important protection for regional banana, which will represent added value for producers by improving their income, promoting new business opportunities and contributing to the growth of the sector," said João Ponte. In this regard, he urged Frutaçor to lead, together with other producer organisations, the application for PGI banana certification.
 
The government official visited today Frutaçor - Azorean Horticultural and Fruit Producers' Cooperative in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo. On the occasion, he stated that the Government's investment in the certification of Azorean agricultural productions through EU quality schemes falls within the regional strategy to promote productions, defend their authenticity and enhance their value in markets and among consumers. As he emphasised, this can boost farmers' income.
 
The Regional Secretary said that, in addition to the PGI Graciosa Garlic, the certification of PDO Butter and PDO Tea is currently under registration.
 
It is for the quality, differentiation and not for quantity that our agricultural productions should position themselves in the markets," stressed João Ponte.
 
The Regional Secretary pointed out that the Frutaçor Cooperative, with 40 members, is a good example, on the one hand, for their efforts promoting and selling the banana production from São Miguel Island.
 
On the other hand, he considered that the ongoing modernisation works in the cooperative facilities, supported by the Regional Government, are fundamental to increase the storage and working area, and to improve working conditions. These interventions will bring increased efficiency as well as better conditions to further develop the fruit growing, which are essential to create added value for productions and improve farmers' income.