The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in Horta that the POSEI 2020 programme will create an incentive to increase milk production on the islands of Faial, Flores and Pico, through the Milk Producer Premium, providing for an increase of two cents when production exceeds that of the previous year."

This amendment intends to encourage the growth of milk production on three Azorean islands where production needs to grow in order to render industries viable," said João Ponte.

"On the Regional Government's part, we are doing everything we can to help producers and industries to ensure the sustainability of the dairy sector on these islands, but it is essential that production and processing do their part to achieve this goal," added the government official.

The Secretary for Agriculture spoke Tuesday at Quinta de São Lourenço during the presentation of the 2020 Plan for the agricultural sector on Faial Island.

João Ponte pointed out that the biggest challenge of Azorean agriculture is to strengthen its reputation and value its genuine, differentiated and high-quality production, thus improving producers' income. In this context, he announced that the Government will carry out "an advertising campaign nationwide in 2020 with the aim of make Azorean dairy products better known for their quality.

The Regional Secretary also pointed out that next year's POSEI stipulates increased support for those who invest in organic production or are in conversion mode, whether in milk and meat or in agricultural diversification; the latter still has a considerable growth potential on Faial Island.

Before the farmers attending the event, the government official stated that one of the priorities of the 2020 Plan is to continue investing in agricultural infrastructures, such as roads and water supply. In the specific case of Faial, there will be an allocation of half a million Euros aimed at improving farmers' working conditions, reducing production costs and rendering farms more competitive.

João Ponte pointed out, as example, the construction of Carrasca road within Feteira - Castelo Branco Agrarian Planning Perimeter (POA) and the Ribeirinha road, in addition to the construction of the Fontinhas reservoir in the Cedros - Salão POA.

In the meantime, the Regional Government will invest one million Euros in the recovery and improvement of the existing infrastructures at Quinta de São Lourenço to better serve the agricultural sector, but also other local sectors of economic activity, enhancing their revitalisation.