The President of the Government highlighted today the Government's support to the milk and dairy sector, as evident at several levels of intervention, with the aim of enhancing the value of this important component of the regional economy.
 
"First and foremost, it involves the public investment to improve the conditions under which our agriculture operates and develops, such as the case of agricultural infrastructures, water supply, improvement of roads and the electrification of farms," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
After welcoming the new Administration Board of Unileite - Union of Dairy Cooperatives and Milk Producers of São Miguel Island, the President of the Government stated that this support is also evident in a "series of other measures that, not being exclusive to the agricultural sector, also play an important role in this sector." This is the case of the Azores Brand, which is a tool of reference in the promotion of regional products.
 
"The creation of public incentive systems to boost private investment is another important area of investment. They have a very significant impact in terms of the modernisation of farms in the Region, demonstrating the farmers' adherence to these measures," noted Vasco Cordeiro, who spoke after the meeting held in Ponta Delgada.
 
According to him, the data available show the amount of investment that this incentive system has boosted and the profound changes occurring in Azorean agriculture with regard to production and the resizing of farms.
 
Moreover, Vasco Cordeiro mentioned the definition of policies as another area of intervention that has contributed to the revitalisation of agriculture at various levels, benefiting the entire sector. This is the case of the opening of new markets and the follow-up of important negotiations, such as those currently taking place on the next EU multiannual financial framework.
 
As for the price of milk paid to producers, the President of the Government stated that there are "market conditions that play an important role; however, industries must have a clear awareness of market demands and needs in terms of innovation and quality factors at the most varied levels."
 
"This is a path followed by regional industries and we believe it will continue to be followed towards the optimisation of this economic component," said Vasco Cordeiro.