The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, João Ponte, chairs the meeting of the Regional Council of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (CRAFDR) in Horta on February 8. This is the second meeting held during this legislative period, at a time when new councillors are about to take office.
 
The CRAFDR will now include representatives of the cooperative organic farming sector (Bio Azórica e Trybio associations), forestry associations (AFLORESTAÇORES), local development associations (ARDE, GRATER, ADELIAÇOR and ASDEPR), Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (AMRAA) and of the Azores delegations of the National Associations of Villages (ANAFRE).
 
In addition to members to members from several departments of the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, the Council already comprises representatives of social partners: farmers' organisations and the industry, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores, University of the Azores and the Agricultural, Food and Forestry Union.
 
Overall, more than 50 councillors from all islands of the Azores will participate in the meeting of this advisory body that will take place on the island of Faial.
 
The agenda will focus on the milk and meat sectors, agricultural diversification, forestry, organic farming, support programmes and agricultural infrastructures.
 
The councillors will also express their views on POSEI, PRORURAL +, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2020 and rodent control, among other matters.
 
CRAFDR is an advisory body whose mission is to assist the Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry in defining the general guidelines for action in the areas under the jurisdiction of this department, ensuring the dialogue and cooperation with regional entities and organisations.
 
The last CRAFDR meeting took place on the island of São Miguel on January 14, 2017.