The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry highlighted in Angra do Heroísmo the work carried out by FRUTER - Association of Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Growers of Terceira and Frutercoop Cooperative in the promotion of agricultural diversification, thus improving farmers’ income and stimulating local economy.

João Ponte stressed that FRUTER is "a good example of the work that can and should be done by producers' organisations, through their cooperatives and associations, to meet market needs in a joint effort that the Government intends to enhance by increasing the production of fruit, vegetables and flowers."
 
Speaking at the end of a visit to FRUTER, the Regional Secretary reaffirmed that the Region has made progress in agricultural diversification as evidenced by an increase in the number of producers and cultivated areas.
 
This has resulted in the noticeable reduction of imports. However, current consumer demands require that farmers acquire more skills to become better prepared and render their farms more profitable and competitive.
 
The Government of the Azores aims to revitalise traditional productions and those in which the Region faces shortages, according to the endogenous potential of each island.
 
João Ponte defended the "increase of regional production with regard to horticulture, fruit growing and floriculture in order to meet internal market needs and reduce imports."
 
"In an agricultural Region such as ours, where there is great potential for horticultural products and flower growing, we should undertake every effort to increase production, enhance its quality and support initiatives aimed at its diversification. We should increasingly invest in the products with export potential in current and new markets," said the Secretary for Agriculture.
 
FRUTER has 109 members who work in various agricultural areas, such as beekeeping, gardening, horticulture, fruit growing and floriculture.
 
Moreover, this association has undertaken several efforts in partnership with the aim of improving production conditions and the adaptation of species to the climate conditions of the Azores.