The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in São Roque do Pico that the 2020 Plan will boost the development of agriculture on this island, seizing Pico's potential for the growth of viticulture, beef production, fruit production, horticulture and also milk production.
 
“This is a Plan that guarantees better working conditions for farmers, with an increase of funds for the improvement of agricultural roads and water supply,” stressed João Ponte. As he emphasised, “it is a Plan that grants more funds for the investment and modernisation of farms with the launch of new opening notices under PRORURAL+, PROAGRI and I9AGRI programmes.
 
"This is a Plan that provides for the extension of agri-environmental aid for another year, with direct impact on farmers' income," said the Regional Secretary, who spoke Wednesday to more than one hundred farmers on Pico Island.
 
The government official also highlighted the importance of viticulture for the island of Pico as well as the growth and structural changes registered in the Region. In fact, there has been growth in terms of producers, reconverted vineyards, certified wines and production, being a major contribution to the island's economic development.
 
João Ponte recalled that the application period for the new notice of the VITIS programme, with an appropriation of four million Euros, runs until January 31. According to him, this is another opportunity for Pico's wine producers to continue the process of vineyard conversion, with positive impacts on both the landscape and the local economy.
 
 he Secretary for Agriculture called for a joint effort in the sustainable development of viticulture. In this regard, he hopes that the Vineyard and Wine Forum, to be held on Pico Island in 2020, "will be another opportunity to involve all the agents of the sector in a project of significant economic importance towards the consolidated reputation of Pico wines and the uncompromising defence of the genuineness of Azorean wines."
 
With regard to the meat sector, the Regional Secretary highlighted the importance of promoting local slaughter, noting that the investments in the modernisation and certification of Pico slaughterhouse are intended to bring added value to the island's economy.
 
In turn, João Ponte assured farmers that an investment of 800 thousand Euros will be made in the modernisation of agricultural infrastructures, pointing out, as example, the construction of the Landroal water reservoir and the Lagoa do Paúl water supply system, in addition to interventions in the Landroal and Rosada agricultural roads. This investment will improve the working conditions of farmers, reducing production costs and, above all, boosting the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.