Information: João Ponte highlights importance of the visit of European Commissioner for Agriculture to the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that the visit of the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Phill Hogan, to the Azores in June is an excellent opportunity to highlight the proper implementation of Community funds. It will also draw attention to what still needs to be done, while pointing out the specificities of the archipelago as an Outermost Region. "The Commissioner&... more >>

Information: Regional Government will do everything to prevent cuts in European funding for agriculture, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry assured today that the Regional Government will do everything within its powers to prevent cuts in European funding under the Common Agricultural Policy, considering them unfair and unacceptable. "The entire path followed by the agricultural sector in the Azores in terms of modernisation, innovation and production growth cannot be compromised. H... more >>

Information: João Ponte challenges Santa Maria farmers to further invest in agriculture
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry challenged farmers on Santa Maria Island to further invest in the agricultural sector and make use of public support. "Despite the low adherence of Santa Maria farmers to PRORURAL + programme, which has resulted in a very small number of applications, the Government believes in the island's productive and agricultural capacity. Therefore, it cha... more >>

Information: João Ponte announces creation of action plan for the development of beekeeping in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced today that the Azores will have an action plan for beekeeping, which is expected to be concluded by the summer. This document will guide and define measures for the development of this area in the medium and long-term. "It was important to have a guiding document and to define a series of measures for the development of the sector in t... more >>

Information: Regional Government presents proposed strategy for organic farming
On April 13, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry will hold a public session to present the proposed strategy for organic farming in the Azores at the Agrarian Development Services of São Miguel Island. The session, open to public in general, will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, João Ponte, the Regional Director for Agriculture, Jos&#... more >>

Information: João Ponte announces changes in PROAMAF to better serve farmers
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced in Vila do Porto several changes that will be applied to the Support Program for Agricultural and Forest Modernisation (PROAMAF) in order to better serve farmers. The respective ordinance is expected to enter into force in May. "The new change we are introducing in PROAMAF meets the needs of the sector and also contributes to improving... more >>

Information: Government of the Azores maintains fee exemption on animals slaughtered for Holy Spirit Festivities
The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry has decided to maintain the exemption of fees at public slaughterhouses in the case of cattle, pigs and birds slaughtered for the Holy Spirit Festivities taking place on all islands of the Azores. The decision is enforced in an ordinance issued by João Ponte that was published today in the Official Journal. It takes into account the "sol... more >>

Information: Regional Government to invest this year 1.2 million Euros in water supply to farms, announces João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced today that the Government of the Azores will invest this year 1.2 million Euros in water supply to farms, of which about 600 thousand Euros will be on this island. "These figures show the importance of this type of investment, namely to make life easier for farmers and also to contribute to the improvement of farm income," said Joã... more >>

Information: Contract work for improvement of Queimada rural road on São Miguel has been authorised by the Court of Auditors
The Court of Auditors - Azores Section has authorised the contract work for the improvement of Queimada rural road in the village of Furnas, municipality of Povoação, on the island of São Miguel. The project has an estimated budget of 725 thousand Euros (project development, inspection and implementation) and begins after the delivery of the safety plan at work. It includes, among... more >>

Information: Regional Government improves services provided at Topo Agricultural Service Station on São Jorge Island
The Regional Secretariat of Agriculture and Forestry informs that Topo Agricultural Service Station on São Jorge Island will extend its daily operating hours, as in accordance with the commitment taken by the Azorean Government. This station operates in the São Jorge Agrarian Development Services building in the hamlet of Alqueve, village of Topo. It is open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and... more >>