The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in Velas that the Government of the Azores "is committed and available" to find "new markets" for S. Jorge Cheese.
 
João Ponte stressed that the increase in production registered on this island is "the result of the stability of the sector" and the rise in the prices of milk paid to producers.
 
"A few years ago the situation was different," he said, adding that "the state of affairs has recently changed and this has led to an increase in milk production, which, in turn, resulted in the growth of cheese production."
 
According to the Regional Secretary, the solution to provide an outlet for this product involves "the promotion of this cheese of excellence since it is a product of acknowledged quality that has been distinguished nationally."
 
João Ponte stressed that the sector registered "a very positive evolution" on the island of São Jorge in recent years, either in the investments made in the industry or in the payments made to milk producers, which are now made within 60 days. In this context, the government official emphasised his "optimism" regarding the future of agriculture on São Jorge insofar as it is "the island's economic driving force."
 
The future of the sector was under analysis at the meeting that the Regional Secretary held with Uniqueijo - Union of São Jorge Dairy Cooperatives, São Jorge Farmers' Association and São Jorge Young Farmers' Association.
 
During the visit to São Jorge, João Ponte also met with the mayors of Velas and Calheta, with whom he discussed issues related to infrastructures, water supply and agricultural roads.
 
"This is always an area where it is necessary to continue the work done, look into the future and implement improvements; the latter are vital to agriculture and to the local economy," said the government official.