The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry assured on Faial that that the Azores will register the first installation of another 30 young farmers next year, which he considered to be particularly important for the necessary generational renewal and to ensure the future sustainability of the agricultural sector.
"It is a fact that we have the best indicators regarding the average age of farmers in the country and in Europe, but we must continue to invest in this area," said João Ponte, who spoke on the sidelines of a visit to a dairy farm owned by a young farmer.
The government official stressed that the first installation of about 140 farmers took place under PRORURAL+. This figure should continue to grow in coming years in order to guarantee the future of the sector and to bring more knowledge, dynamics, entrepreneurship and innovation to agriculture.
João Ponte considered that the dairy farm he visited today is "a good example," pointing out that this young farmer was able to use Community funds to support his installation and the investments deemed necessary for his activity.
"To date, projects amounting to more than 66 million Euros have already been approved under PRORURAL+ in the modernisation of farms. This has been crucial for the Region towards a better prepared agriculture to meet future challenges and with an increased capacity to generate more income, minimise production costs and improve working conditions for farmers," said the government official.
João Ponte also highlighted the public investment made at regional level in the modernisation of agricultural infrastructures, either in roads or in water supply infrastructures, always bearing in mind that all funds for Agriculture should be fully implemented by the end of the current Community Support Framework.
"This is what we are working for," the government official said, noting that the PRORURAL+ commitment rate stands at 80% and the implementation rate at around 53%. These indicators clearly demonstrate the good application of EU funds, which are key to the development of the agricultural sector and the improvement of income.