Vasco Cordeiro highlights positive path of São Jorge cooperatives, but warns of the challenges of the dairy sector
The President of the Government highlighted today the positive path that São Jorge dairy cooperatives have followed in recent years, but stressed the need to continue to pay attention to the challenges that the dairy sector still faces on this island and in the Region.
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"Local milk producers and association leaders have carried out a major work in cooperative sector of São Jorge over the last four years," stressed Vasco Cordeiro, who met today with the boards of agricultural associations and local farmers.
The President of the Government pointed out, as an example of this journey of recovery, the fact that, two years ago, only 50 percent of the cheese was certified as "São Jorge Cheese" and, now, this percentage rose to about 90 percent in the first quarter of this year.
"This represents how much wealth is generated on São Jorge in terms of having a certified product to market that has the potential to boost milk producers' income," Vasco Cordeiro said, highlighting that cooperatives also achieved positive operating results in 2015.
"This is an aspect that does not ignore the size of the challenges that are still ahead of all of us in this sector, but it also evidences the path that was followed as result of the efforts of São Jorge farmers and cooperatives," said the President of the Government.
Vasco Cordeiro recalled that, since the beginning of the restructuring process of the cooperative sector, the Regional Government has always said it would not assume the responsibility of other parties involved, but it would on the "side of local cooperatives and the dairy sector to achieve success."
Despite this positive path, it is important to be aware of the need for "attention and thorough work, not only with regard to São Jorge but also with regard to the entire regional dairy industry," the President of the Government said, ensuring that the Regional Government will also continue to invest water supply and access roads to farms.