The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, through the Regional Directorate for Rural Development, welcomed today the decision taken by the European Commission to anticipate direct payments to farmers in several Member States, including Portugal. It was also announced that Brussels will still consider on the request for the increase of specific aid to Azorean farmers with the aim of minimising the effects of drought on several islands.
 
"The Government of the Azores welcomes Brussels’s decision to anticipate the payment of direct to Portuguese farmers by 50%. This is a very important measure insofar as it will ensure the liquidity of farms," said the Regional Director for Rural Development, Fernando Sousa. As he acknowledged, the drought affecting several islands of the archipelago is causing further difficulties for farmers.
 
Fernando Sousa stated that the announcement made today by the European Commission does not concern the request for the increase of aid to Azorean farmers. The latter was made by the Regional Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, in the form of a letter dated July 24 that was sent by the Office of Planning, Policy and General Administration to the European Commission.
 
"This decision to be taken by the European Commission is expected to be announced by October 15," said Fernando Sousa.
 
In view of the unusual weather situation in the Azores, affecting the entire agricultural sector, the Government of the Azores has requested the anticipation of up 70% of direct payments under POSEI and up 85% of the support granted to rural development.
 
"What is in question is the anticipation of payments amounting to 50 million Euros to Azorean farmers by two months, from December to October, which ensure the liquidity of farms affected by drought," said Fernando Sousa.
 
Earlier this month, the Regional Secretary had announced that the Government of the Azores would help farmers minimising the effects of the drought in the archipelago by supporting the import of animal food and the drop in the production of forage maize and horticultural products.