The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today that the implementation of the value creation strategy for Azorean meat is already under way, with very specific actions at different levels, an effort that involves all partners in the sector. 
 
“The regional value creation strategy for Azorean meat, developed by the Regional Strategy Centre for Azores Meat - CERCA, comprises about 40 actions, with 60% expected to take place between 2020 and 2021 and the remainder in the coming years,” stressed João Ponte. He spoke on the sidelines of the first meeting held by the operational group responsible for monitoring the implementation of these actions. 

The meeting, which took place by video conference, was attended by the President of the Azores Agricultural Federation, Jorge Rita. It was primarily intended to validate the measures, define their scheduling and establish the entities that will be responsible for their implementation. 

The government official added that the set of actions to be implemented in the immediate future concerns, for example, the continuous improvement of animal welfare and the transport of animals to slaughterhouses, as they are very sensitive materials. This is a very relevant issue to consumers as well as to the good image of Azorean meat and its promotion in markets. 

In the area of quality, João Ponte stressed the need to continue investing in the improvement of the finishing of carcasses, training of producers, and in meat cutting and slaughtering procedures, since these aspects contribute to the value creation strategy for meat. 
 
“Enhancing the visibility of Azorean meat is another matter that should be addressed so that we can worked on it thoroughly and quickly. 

Even though our meat is already appreciated by consumers, it is essential to invest in promotional actions to generate more income in the entire value chain,” João Ponte noted, adding that, also in terms of public support allocation, it will be increasingly necessary to create more meat quality criteria. 

“The implementation of this meat value creation strategy in the Azores is a joint work to be carried out by the entire sector, from producers to producers' organisations and, of course, the Regional Government. 

If we all continue to work together, it will be easier to overcome the challenges arising in this sector,” João Ponte said, adding that 72,000 animals are already slaughtered in the Region every year, involving about 5,000 producers. 

João Ponte also pointed out that the Azores have exceptional conditions for the production of differentiated meat of excellent quality, in addition to having a vast herd of cattle, not only dairy breeds but also of beef breeds. They also have high-quality animals, abundant natural resources, mild climate and fertile soils. 

The operational group in charge of monitoring the implementation of the actions set out in the Value Creation Strategy for Azores Meat is under the direct supervision of the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry. It is composed of the Regional Director for Agriculture as well as representatives of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Markets (IAMA), Regional Strategy Centre for Azores Meat (CERCA) and the Azores Agricultural Federation (FAA).