The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced on Sao Miguel that the Government will pay the POSEI aid to the 2018 banana production in late June; the overall amount will be the highest ever.
 
"This is the result of the increase of aid in 2018 over the previous year and the growth of production by 20%," stated João Ponte. In this regard, he added that the "the amount of aid to be paid to the 2018 production in late June is set at 46 cents. This represents an increase of 30% over the amount paid in the previous year, although it is still below the amount provided for in POSEI."
 
Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to a banana producer in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, the government official noted that 2018 was a good year for banana production and that the banana farming area grew more than 8% in the last four years.
 
"This year, production should drop due to the drought that hit the Region in 2018, which had a negative impact on the banana growth cycle. Nevertheless, there has been a rise in the price paid to producers and, therefore, production value has been enhanced," stressed the Regional Secretary.
 
João Ponte assured that the Regional Government will continue to ensure the necessary appropriations under POSEI with a view to supporting this production. In this context, he pointed out the improvements already introduced this year, namely the payment of aid in two semesters and new criteria for the granting of aid, thus reinforcing the criteria of fairness and justice in the allocation of public support.
 
The Secretary for Agriculture also revealed that the ordinance regulating the granting of aid to banana production will be reviewed so that all producers may be eligible for support even through their organisation are not recognised. If this were not the case, a considerable number of producers would be penalised.
 
"The Regional Government acknowledges that the legislation, as it is, does not protect all farmers alike, and for that reason has decided to amend the situation for the benefit of banana producers," said João Ponte.