The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry highlighted the active and fundamental contribution of producers' organisations to the ongoing development of the agricultural sector in the Azores.
 
"It is fair to recognise the performance of producers' organisations in the process of ongoing development and modernisation of the agricultural sector at various levels," said João Ponte. He spoke at the end of a meeting with the Board of Corvo Island Agricultural Association under the Government's statutory visit.
 
João Ponte pointed out the importance of producers' organisations in providing technical support to farmers, encouraging production and quality, promoting training and in ensuring the compliance with animal health plans.
 
The Secretary for Agriculture also mentioned the partnerships established between the Regional Government and some agricultural associations for the provision of services in the implementation of health policies, which "have evidenced an exemplary performance."
 
"The level of excellence we have achieved in terms of animal health is mainly due to the hard work of the veterinarians and the workers of the agricultural associations working in partnership with the Government," João Ponte said, adding that the annual support to different producer organisations amounts to five million Euros.
 
The Regional Secretary stated that these funds will "benefit agriculture, the development of the sector the qualification of farmers in the Azores."
 
For João Ponte, agriculture continues to be a sector with major importance in the Region's economy. According to him, "it has potential and the necessary conditions for the emergence of more investment projects in this area," either in the milk and meat sector or in the area agricultural diversification.
 
João Ponte also pointed out that, for the Regional Government, investments in the agricultural sector are neither measured by the number of farmers nor by the area of production nor by the size of the island. In this context, the Government has made investment on all islands, thus ensuring economic development and territorial cohesion.