The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources signed today an agreement with Faial Farmers' Association and the municipal company Hortaludus in order to support the Reproduction Centre, a project developed by Faial Stud Farm dedicated to the breeding of Lusitano horses.

"This project embodies the spirit we defend as necessary for those who live on islands, like us, and want to achieve success. It is the spirit of partnership in sharing and optimisation of resources and expertise," said Luís Neto Viveiros.

The protocol was signed at a ceremony held at the Faial Exhibition Park in Horta and provides the installation of the Faial Reproduction Centre at the facilities of Quinta de São Lourenço.

"Given the natural conditions and potential absence of certain zoonoses, the Azorean Government considers that we are a privileged Region for horse breeding," the Regional Secretary stressed, adding that "the genetic improvement of specimens represents a considerable investment that is only possible to achieve through joint effort."

Luís Neto Viveiros also emphasised that this protocol, like others, aims to contribute to the necessary investment in diversification of agriculture and animal husbandry in the Azores.