The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in Ponta Delgada that the investment in the production of organic milk is strategic for the Azores, due to the natural potential of the islands to attract new markets and the generation more wealth for farmers and the industry.
 
"From the Region's standpoint, this commitment is strategic in terms of promoting our milk. We have a great potential of production using organic methods. Now, we all need to be united in this project," João Ponte said, speaking at the end of a meeting with the Director-General of BEL in Portugal, Ana Cláudia Sá.
 
The Regional Government is positive about the pilot project developed by BEL, which intends to start organic milk production in the Azores next year. João Ponte noted that, during the two-year conversion process, "producers will have less production, but the industry will pay higher prices for milk as a form of compensation."
 
The Minister of Agriculture assured that the Government of the Azores will follow up this project and take the necessary decisions in due time in order to minimise the loss of income of farmers during the conversion of milk production in the archipelago to organic methods.
 
According to João Ponte, there are many milk producers in the Azores who are well placed to move forward to organic farming; however, the decision will depend on the openness of farmers and the industry. He added that, for example, organic milk production in France only accounts 3% of the total production, that is, "we cannot think that all milk production in the Azores will be organic."
 
"Next year, we will, once again, renegotiate with the representatives of the sector the aid granted under the POSEI. It already includes positive discrimination for organic production," the Regional Secretary said, adding that a specific scheme must be found under POSEI to ensure compensation for milk producers during the conversion period.
 
Speaking to journalists, João Ponte also stressed that there is a great demand for organic milk in Europe, especially in the northern European countries; this product is better paid.
 
If the BEL's pilot project succeeds, the first Azorean organic milk packages should be available by 2020.