Government available to take part in process for differentiation and value creation of Azorean milk, says Vasco Cordeiro
The President of the Government assured today that the Regional Government is “ready and available” to take part in the process for the differentiation and value creation of Azorean milk with the aim of ensuring an increasing income for the entire sector in the Region.
“If our milk is pasture raised, why don't we all work - and the Azorean Milk and Dairy Centre is a good opportunity for that - to differentiate and create value for Azorean pasture-raised milk,” said Vasco Cordeiro, who spoke at the launch of a new product from UNILEITE - Union of São Miguel Island Dairy Cooperatives.
According to the President of the Government, the Regional Government is ready and available to take part in the process for value creation of the milk produced in the Region. It cannot just be a mere a “classification” as it must have economic repercussions for the entire sector and for farmers' income.
Speaking at the launch of the new product designated as "Pasture-raised Milk," held in Ponta Delgada, Vasco Cordeiro also stressed that the Azores should not be “afraid of beating the best” in a range of areas related to market projection and the society. This is the case of milk quality and benefits, environmental issues and animal welfare.
“If questions arise about the quality of milk, we can and should, as we have already done, value the good raw material produced in the Region,” said the President of the Government. In this context, he added that, at environmental level, “we must also value what is our asset in this area by also enhancing its economic value.”
“If questions arise about animal welfare, the Azores are in a position to put this aspect on the table and generate economic value in what we do regarding this matter," said the President of the Government.
After stressing the need to “do more” in terms of differentiation, Vasco Cordeiro assured that the Azores have all the conditions to add more value to their products, which will reflect on farmers' income.
The President of the Government also offered word of praise to UNILEITE for the innovation it has presented in its products, as is already the case with other manufacturing industries in the Region.
“The multiplication of this example in other products and other areas is the right way to value the products and this important sector of our economy,” said Vasco Cordeiro.