The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on Faial that the Regional Government has invested 25 million Euros in the current legislative term in the construction of roads and the supply of water and electricity to farms. These strategic investments leverage the development of the agricultural sector, reduce production costs, increase the efficiency of farms, and promote territorial and social cohesion.
 
"These are strategic investments that we will continue to make in an important sector of the regional economy. They are a very clear message of confidence in the future of the agricultural sector and contribute to boosting the competitiveness of farms and their profitability," said João Ponte.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke during the signing of the contract work for the construction and improvement of the Fligueira agricultural road located within the Agricultural Planning Perimeter (POA) of Cedros/Salão. The ceremony was presided over by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, and took place during the Government's visit to Faial Island.
 
According to the government official, this investment in Fligueira road, along with the remodelling of Juncal road this year, and the improvement of water networks on Faial Island demonstrate that the Regional Government pays equal attention to all islands.
 
"This investment should be regarded in line with our territorial and social cohesion policies and, above all, in line with the provision of equal opportunity to farmers, whether in a small or in large dairy basin," João Ponte said, adding that Faial accounts for 2% of regional milk production and 7% of meat production.
 
For João Ponte, these are very important investments to boost farm income, to improve farmers' working conditions and, above all, to improve the competitiveness of a strategic sector for the development of the Region by creating jobs and generating wealth, so that the Azorean agricultural sector continues to be a national reference.
 
The Regional Secretary highlighted the very positive and successful path followed by Azorean agriculture. It stems from farmers' commitment and dedication, but also from partnership efforts between the Regional Government and the different agents of the sector for the definition of political measures.
 
João Ponte recalled that the Regional Government has supported associations, producers' organisations and cooperatives for their work towards the vitality of the sector and the regional economy. This is something that will continue in the future because "if we want a stronger agriculture capable of generating wealth, we must have solid institutions and the necessary means to do so."
 
With regard to the Fligueira agricultural road, this 350-thousand Euro investment provides for an intervention covering an overall extension of two kilometres, benefiting 200 hectares of utilised agricultural área.