The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry defended on the island of São Jorge that supporting the modernisation and innovation of dairy cooperatives is essential to ensure the future of the dairy sector.
 
"The investments in modernisation and innovation are not just political speech clichés. They are a necessity and a reality to which the Regional Government is attentive, considering that it is essential to support them towards the promotion of the milk sector. This will contribute to the development of the Region, the progress of the Azores, the projection of our economy and, consequently, to the promotion of exports," said João Ponte.
 
The Secretary for Agriculture spoke at the end of a meeting with the Board of Lourais Dairy Cooperative. On the occasion, he announced that the Regional Government will subsidise the investment to be made by the cooperative by allocating 200 thousand Euros for the acquisition of a bacterial clarifier. This is an equipment of great relevance for a company that produces cheese from raw cow's milk.
 
João Ponte pointed out that the investments financed by PRORURAL+ are very important for the development of the archipelago. However, in this specific case, the amount will be allocated from the Region's own funds.
 
"It is a modern equipment that will further increase the quality of milk and, subsequently, boost productivity gains," said João Ponte. In this regard, he acknowledged the efforts undertaken by Lourais Cooperative in modernising and complying with the demands of the market.
 
With a turnover surpassing two million Euros, the Lourais Dairy Cooperative processed more than six million litres of milk in 2017, corresponding to an increase of 200 million litres compared to the previous year.
 
João Ponte also highlighted the fact that Portugal annually imports nearly 45 thousand tonnes of cheese. The Azores account for 50% of the national production, that is, the archipelago produced 31 thousand tonnes of cheese in 2017.
 
"This means that the Region has a good opportunity to further conquer the national market. Hence, it is important to continue investing in the quality of the cheese produced as well as in innovation and diversification to enhance the value of production," said the Regional Secretary.