According to data released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) in 2011, the area of horticultural crops in the Azores grew 19.5% in ten years, "despite the significant reduction in the number of farms," said the Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport.

"This demonstrates we have fewer farmers today; however, farms are larger and farmers have improved their professional qualifications," stated Luís Neto Viveiros. The government official spoke at the closing session of the 7th Agricultural Days of Praia da Vitória held on Sunday, pointing out the importance of this event.

According to him, this situation is the result of several factors: "the support allocated to boost investment and income in this sector and the intense professional training programme developed by the Region; the latter is developed not only in horticulture, but also in all other areas of economic interest for our development."

Luís Neto Viveiros also defended the need to strengthen measures and support with the aim of increasing the diversification of agricultural products and reducing the excessive weight of imports.

In this context, the Regional Secretary highlighted the significant revitalisation of the regional agricultural sector. "A younger generation of farmers with better qualifications will become the driving force towards the success of this sector in the future."

"Strengthened by the wise knowledge and experience of older people, new generations are the ones that will be able to provide a dynamic and innovative contribution to the progress of the Azores on a continuous basis," said the government official.

In his speech, Luís Neto Viveiros assured that the agricultural sector "may always rely on the Government's support and collaboration." He also announced that "the Regional Secretary for Natural Resources in partnership with the Praia da Vitória City Hall will open a support office of Terceira's Agrarian Development Services in the near future."

"Hence, we will be putting the regional administration at the service of people and the economy by making their lives easier," said the Regional Secretary.

Luís Neto Viveiros also took the commitment of "tackling the current price differential regarding the amounts paid to milk producers in conjunction with the industry organisations. This goal is intended "to ensure a fair and effective return in the income of Terceira's milk producers in future investments."

"In order to achieve success, our dairy industry must have a constant supply of raw material, which will reduce unit costs and boost financial gains," revealed the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary also highlighted important investments on Terceira's agricultural sector that are currently in progress or about to be completed, such as the new Regional Veterinary Laboratory. According to him, this investment "is absolutely necessary for the implementation of monitoring plans, health control, certification and qualification of our products.”

Furthermore, Luís Neto Viveiros mentioned the area where the new facilities of Fruter will be installed. This undertaking corresponds to an investment over two million Euros in public and private expenditure, and the first phase of the Exhibition Park should be concluded by May. As the government official mentioned, "the works have been delayed by the contractor and have also felt the impact of the severe economic crisis the country is facing."