The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that the Fruit Growing Development Plan (PROFRUTA) will be a vital support tool for the adoption of the best public policies, as it defines a series of specific actions for the coming years, with a view to ensuring the development of this agricultural sector in the Azores and the enhancement of its productions.
 
"Fruit growing has a considerable margin for growth in the Azores by harnessing the existing potential on each island and in different types of fruit. In this context, PROFRUTA plays a key role in presenting a series of specific actions, ranging from planting and production to marketing and incentives," said João Ponte.
 
The Secretary for Agriculture spoke Monday in Ponta Delgada on the sidelines of the presentation of the proposal for the Fruit Growing Development Plan.
 
On the occasion, the government official highlighted that PROFRUTA, whose proposal was coordinated by the working group led by David Horta Lopes (University of the Azores), lists 47 general operational goals common to all islands, through an action plan. Additionally, it proposes specific plans for each of islands, taking into account their potential for fruit production.
 
"These general goals focus on the investment in training for technicians and producers, experimentation, support to offset producers for the unproductive periods of plants and the continuity of aid to increase the area of fruit crops, among others," João Ponte revealed, adding that they are intended to render stronger sector, with more and better production.
 
Addressing the many producers attending this public session, he stressed that the plan, for example, proposes for the specific case of São the adoption of a single packaging for PDO certified Pineapple or the allocation of incentives for the installation of cold storage units in the facilities of local producers' associations.
 
Being aware that the Azores cannot be self-sufficient in all types of fruit, the Regional Secretary defended that we have the necessary conditions to produce more fruit and, thus reduce imports. In turn, we should invest more in the export of fruit with higher added value, which goes far beyond pineapple production.
 
The proposal for the Fruit Growing Development Plan will now enter a phase of public discussion and, according to João Ponte, the final document is expected to be completed by June. As is the case with the plans for organic farming and beekeeping, a monitoring committee involving the Regional Government and industry partners will be created to monitor the implementation of PROFRUTA.