Agricultural sector needs more young people with training and entrepreneurial skills, says Regional Director for Rural Development
The Regional Director for Rural Development stated today that the agricultural sector in the Azores is appealing. According to him, it has future and needs more young people with training and entrepreneurial skills to overcome the challenges of the future.
"The entry of more young people into the regional agricultural sector is essential, not only to ensure a generational renewal but also greater sustainability," said Fernando Sousa. He spoke on the sidelines of a visit to a farm in the municipality of Praia da Vitória that has applied for a first installation project.
Fernando Sousa pointed out that 142 projects have already been approved under sub-measure 6.1 of the PRORURAL + programme, focused on the installation of young farmers, which represents a public expenditure of 5.4 million Euros.
On Monday, the Regional Government opened a new application period for the submission of applications concerning projects for the installation of young farmers taking place until September 28, with an overall allocation of 450 thousand Euros.
"This support measure is an important incentive to attract more young people to agriculture. The Regional Government has done everything and will continue to do everything to make agriculture more and more attractive," the Regional Director said, urging young people to regard the agricultural sector as a highly attractive career with future.
For Fernando Sousa, the emphasis on the training of farmers is also essential, so that farms may become more profitable, efficient and with lower production costs.
"Today, 5% of young farmers have a higher education degree. This is something relevant that deserves to be encouraged and supported. Knowledge is fundamental to being able to evolve, innovate and render farms more profitable," said Fernando Sousa.