The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry met with European Commissioner of Agriculture on Monday to analyze the main issues related to regional agriculture.

At the meeting held in Brussels, Noé Rodrigues had the opportunity to discuss with Dacian Ciolos, issues related to the dismantling of the milk quota system, starting in the 2014/2015 campaign.

The Regional Secretary was pleased with the awareness of the Commissioner regarding “the need to protect the farmers’ income in a crisis situation, for that reason the Commission is committed to search mechanisms that take into account the specificities of regions such as the Azores” to tackle the dismantling of the milk quota system.

For now, the Commissioner is awaiting the outcome of the reflection group on the dairy sector, which should be presented in June.

The issue of SINAGA was also analysed at the meeting as well as its importance as an alternative to the diversification of the regional production base. It was recognised the need to create a support measure, “rigorously managed,” to boost the sustainability of this agro-industry.

In addition, issues such as POSEI and the Rural Development were also under analyses at the meeting between Noé Rodrigues and Dacian Ciolos.