The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry presents next week on São Miguel Island the Strategic Plan for Beekeeping in the Azores, a document intended to guide and define measures towards the development of a sector in the medium and long term with potential in the archipelago.
 
The presentation of the document will be directed, firstly, to beekeepers who will have the opportunity to provide their contributions, so that the Strategic Plan for Beekeeping in the Azores may effectively respond to the needs and challenges of the sector.
 
In turn, it is also intended that all agents involved in beekeeping in the Region take part in this process, which should be inclusive and participatory. Hence, this Plan will also be presented in other islands of the archipelago and will be available for public consultation on the Regional government Portal.
 
In addition to being a source of income, beekeeping plays an especially important role in the entire agricultural sector, whether through the contribution of bees as natural pollinators of agricultural crops or though the pollination of the ecosystem and maintenance of biodiversity.
 
There are 891 apiaries and 449 beekeepers throughout the archipelago, 88% of which are located on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, Faial and Santa Maria. 
 
In 2019, the Government will conclude the preparation of other important policy-making documents in areas such as horticulture and fruit growing.
 
Furthermore, the Strategic Plan for Organic Farming will be implemented this year with the aim of expanding the production and supply of agricultural and agri-food products, with environmental and health benefits, while acknowledging the value of this production mode.