The Regional Director for Rural Development revealed that the application submission rate for the PRORURAL+ and POSEI programme already reaches 88.2%s in the Azores, a very relevant figure given that the deadline for submission of applications runs until June.
"Taking as reference the total number of applications from last year, i.e. 7,986, the Region already registers an application submission rate equivalent to 88.2%," said Valter Braga. These applications were submitted under the measures for POSEI animal and vegetable production aid as well as for financial support granted by PRORURAL+.
The Regional Director also stated that there are islands such as Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa, Santa Maria and São Miguel, where applications are practically completed, since the submission rate is over 98%.
In the case of the Western Group islands, Flores and Corvo, about 70.5% of the applications have already been submitted, compared to last year.
Valter Braga pointed out that these positive indicators arise from the simplification of application submission procedures, which are taking place exclusively online, without requiring the travel of farmers to official services. They are also the result of the efforts and commitment of the technicians from the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, who have "contacted producers by telephone, even during the weekend, so that applications could be made quickly and accurately, even during the pandemic period."
Given the success registered with this online application method, the good results achieved and the benefits granted to farmers, avoiding travel to services, fuel and time expenses, Valter Braga said that "this model should be maintained in the future."
The Regional Director for Rural Development pointed out that the submission of new applications runs until June 15 and changes to applications already submitted should made until June 30. From June 16, a penalty of 1% per day is applied to the late submission of applications, up to a maximum of 25 days, with July 20 being the last day for the late submission of applications.