In a letter sent to the European Commissioner for Agriculture, who is ending his term of office, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry acknowledged Phil Hogan's commitment in the exercise of his duties, namely in the construction and preparation of the new Common Agricultural Policy for the 2021–2027 period, in addition, the government official acknowledged his role in development of agriculture in the Azores.
 
João Ponte also recalled Phil Hogan's visit to the Azores in June 2018, considering that it was extremely important for the Region, particularly for the agricultural sector, as far as it provided an in-depth knowledge of the local reality "on the spot."
 
“I believe that during this visit, you became better acquainted with the reality and the work we have been carrying out towards a more developed and prosperous agriculture. And above all, you became aware of how Community CAP funds, such as POSEI and the Rural Development Programme, are important and necessary for our Region," said João Ponte, in the letter sent to Phil Hogan.
 
“I believe the good things that have been done in the Azorean agricultural sector became quite clear, also in terms of harnessing EU funds. Therefore, it is fair and crucial that we should continue to have a future CAP budget adjusted to the needs of the sector in the Azores " added the Regional Secretary.
 
The government official also recalled that Phil Hogan guaranteed that the Azores, as an Outermost Region, will not be subject to any cuts under POSEI's financial envelope for the 2021–2027 period.
 
"This was clear evidence, if doubts were raised, that the Commissioner is sensitive to the importance of the Outermost Regions within Europe and is aware of the contribution we make to the strengthening and prosperity of our Union," said João Ponte. In this regard, he also considered that the awarding of the Portuguese Gold Medal for Agriculture to Phil Hogan for his leading role in European agriculture.
 
João Ponte ended the letter by wishing Phil Hogan personal and professional success in his new role as European Commissioner for Trade.