The Regional Centre for Handicrafts (CRAA) is reviving the cultivation of traditional crops, such as wicker, wheat, rye and flax in order to produce raw material needed for craft activities. This initiative is being developed in partnership with the Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre, through Azorina - Society for Environmental Management and Nature Conservation, Maia Village Council and the Agrarian Development Service of S. Miguel.

This is an opportunity to promote a beneficial collaboration for all entities, with revival of traditional crops on common land. It also promotes local values and contributes to the diversification of the local economic base and sustainability of income.

As a body under the administration of the Vice-presidency of the Government of the Azores, the CRAA has been encouraging the reuse of traditional raw materials in its activities developed across the Region in the context of the promotion and dissemination of traditional arts and crafts and the raw materials used.

With regard to vegetable plant fibres, there is an ongoing study for the certification of wicker, corn leaf, dragon tree leaf, wheat straw, among others, which is now in its final phase.

According to the Regional Director of the Regional Centre for Handicrafts, the aim to continue promoting and dignifying the high quality level of Azorean products as well as to ensure their authenticity through the certification of the Azores Handicrafts brand.