Information: Government of the Azores promotes afforestation of 61 hectares in Furnas Hydrographic Basin
The opening notice of a public tender for the afforestation of 61 hectares in land included in the intervention area of the Management Plan of Furnas Hydrographic Basin was published in the Official Gazette. This forestation project falls within a series of actions aimed at improving the water quality of Furnas Crater Lake and promotes the replacement of pasture land, recently used in animal husba... more >>

Information: João Ponte welcomes EU authorisation for mandatory labelling of dairy products
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry welcomed the authorisation of the Council of the European Union for the mandatory labelling of milk and dairy products, which should contain the statement "of Portuguese origin." For João Ponte, "this is a very important measure for the sector and will enable consumers to choose the quality of the Azores milk, which represents over 30% of t... more >>

Information: Creation of Milk Route recognises importance of the sector and contributes to its promotion
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today that the creation of the Milk Route represents the "recognition of the sector's relevance and will be an important contribution to its promotion with those who visit us." For João Ponte "the Milk Route is an investment in the combination between tourism and agriculture. Our landscape is predominantly rural, where our pastures ... more >>

Information: Azores to take part in application process in Brussels for co-financing of campaigns aimed at the promotion of agricultural products
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced today that the Azorean agricultural sector, through their representatives at the Azorean Milk and Dairy Centre, participates in an information session organised by the European Commission in Brussels on January 31. It is intended to follow all potential beneficiaries in defining projects for campaigns aimed at the promotion of agricultu... more >>

Information: João Ponte defends increase of POSEI funds and measures to compensate farmers for disruption in the milk market
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in Lisbon that the Regional Government "supports the increase of POSEI funds over current appropriations," noting that the last amendment occurred in 2010. Since then, there have been successive apportionments to the premiums allocated, which "demonstrates the need for its revision." "The Government of the Azores will remain committed to i... more >>

Information: Ongoing investments in the industry to boost milk sector on Terceira, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry highlighted today the investments in the modernisation of the dairy plant owned by Pronicol on Terceira Island, considering that this is "an industry focused on the future." Speaking at the end of a visit to the plant, João Ponte highlighted that the ongoing investments "reflect an investment in the promotion of regional dairy products for t... more >>

Information: Azorean agricultural sector has overcome particularly difficult challenges in 2016, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that 2016 was a "year with some constraints in the agricultural sector, namely due to external factors." He stressed that "the challenges were overcome with the immediate response of the Government and the commitment of associations representing the sector, industries and farmers." João Ponte pointed out that these challenges arise fr... more >>

Information: POSEI aid and premiums amounting to 20 million Euros to be paid on December 30, announces João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced today that the Azorean farmers who have applied to POSEI aid and premiums will receive an overall amount of 20 million Euros by December 30 regarding to payments made under that programme. It concerns the payment of premiums to Animal Productions, amounting to 14.5 million Euros, which includes 30% of the regional supplementary funding ... more >>

Information: Solution for Sinaga will rely on private entities and involves social partners and workers, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today the Board of Director of Sinaga "is working" on the recommendation issued by the Azorean Government to "develop a strategic plan" that should be concluded by the first half of 2017. It will allow the Government to "take a decision regarding the company's future, which will not be limited to the public component." João Ponte spok... more >>

Information: João Ponte emphasises qualitative evolution in animal health in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stressed today the "qualitative evolution" registered in the Azores health status, which is reaching "a level of excellence at national and international level." João Ponte said this is due "to the major effort of the Government, together with farmers, and the work of veterinarians in the archipelago over recent years." The Secretary for Ag... more >>