The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in Horta that the Azores Agricultural Fair 2019, which runs from July 12 to 14, at Faial Exhibition Park is an opportunity of affirming the strength and progress of the agricultural sector.
 
"Six years later, this regional event returns to Faial. It is an opportunity for the whole agricultural sector to show its vitality, the progress achieved and the commitment of farmers to overcoming successive challenges," said João Ponte.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke at a press conference for the presentation of the Azores Agricultural Fair 2019. On the occasion, he highlighted the collaboration of the following entities in the organisation of the event: Horta City Council, Azores Agricultural Federation, Faial Island Farmers' Association, Faial Young Farmers' Association, Trybio, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Horta, UrbHorta and CVR Açores.
 
The government official ensured that the partnership and the commitment of all those involved in this initiative will make this Fair a success once again, providing moments of learning and socialisation among farmers, residents and tourists.
 
"This is an event that confers prestige to Azorean agriculture, promotes the quality of regional agricultural production and restates the importance of agriculture, starting from the employment creation and economic growth," stated the government official.
 
João Ponte also announced that there will be a showcase of economic activities on the island of Faial featuring 50 stands.
 
Five pavilions will be installed in the Quinta de São Lourenço area, whereas the Vineyards and Wine Pavilion is an innovation of this year's edition due to the growing importance of wine growing in the Azores.
 
"All this dynamics will boost the local economy for three days," João Ponte said, adding that the promotion of Azorean culture will also include the participation of philharmonic bands, folk dance groups and other ensembles from five islands.
 
Additionally, regional gastronomy will be also promoted during the fair, with special emphasis on Azorean meat, featuring two restaurants and eight taverns, where, for the first time, the use of plastics will be banned.
 
"The fact that the use of plastics will be banned in the catering area is one of the major innovations of this year's edition.  Biodegradable dishes and cutlery will be used and, in this context, the municipal company UrbHorta will be responsible for supplying reusable cups. In addition, the furniture used, such as tables and benches, will be made of wood," pointed out the government official.
 
For João Ponte, "this is yet another contribution towards the protection and safeguarding of the environment."
 
As usual, the most important activities of the Azores Agricultural Fair will be the Holstein Friesian cattle, beef cattle, horse and dog competition as well as horticulture, fruit growing and floriculture contests. The programme of the fair also includes conferences on organic farming promoted by Trybio and commented wine tastings carried out by the CVR Açores.
 
During the three-day event, there will be honey, cheese, pineapple and tea tastings as well as an ethnographic parade featuring Ramo Grande cattle and a "bodo de leite" (distribution of sweetbread and milk).
 
According to João Ponte, the next time that the Azores Agricultural Fair will take place on this island, the Faial Exhibition Park, located in Quinta de São Lourenço, will have even better conditions. In this regard, the Regional Government is investing in the redevelopment of Quinta de São Lourenço Manor and Chapel, and in the modernisation of the exhibition hall.