The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment highlighted on Flores the "positive evolution" of Cooperativa Ocidental and milk production on the island, praising the commitment of producers.
 
"This positive trend is due primarily to the efforts of milk producers and the Cooperative's Administration Board in a joint effort we have joined in this process," said Luís Neto Viveiros, who spoke on behalf of the President of the Government at the opening of the Farmer's Day celebrations.
 
In his speech, the Secretary for Agriculture stressed that "without Flores farmers and their willingness, it would not have been possible" to increase milk production that ensured the feasibility of the dairy plant.
 
The Regional Secretary revealed that the delivery of milk also grew 80% in the first half of this year compared to the same period of last year, that is, the "plant received 635,781 litres of milk when it only received 354,522 litres in the first six months of 2015."
 
"On the Government's part in this joint effort, we have implemented milk classification on this island and supported the purchase of heifers as well as the management and provision of technical support for the Cooperation. Moreover, we have also supported the purchase of essential equipment for the proper operation the plant, including the works for the construction of a wastewater treatment station," said Neto Viveiros.
 
"We can say we are on the right track and we can face the path we have yet to follow with more confidence," added the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary also stressed that, given the "production outflow problem" across Europe," the Government of the Azores has implemented "relevant" measures to "help producers overcoming the phase of milk price cuts."
 
In this regard, he mentioned the financial support to help farmers with the financial burden of interest on loans taken out for investments in farms, the programme for the restructuring of the sector, a line of credit to ensure the liquidity of agricultural companies and the early retirement of farmers to promote the rejuvenation of the sector.
 
Moreover, Luís Neto Viveiros also pointed out the anticipation of the payment of premiums for milk producers, dairy cow and suckler cows under POSEI.
 
The Government of the Azores will, once again, anticipate 85% of agri-environmental payments to Azorean farmers and those concerning the Maintenance Measures of Agricultural Activity in Less Favoured Areas (MAAZD).