Information: Luís Neto Viveiros highlights importance of European project "Zephyr" for the "exchange of scientific knowledge"
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment highlighted today the "importance" of the involvement of the Azores in the European project "Zephyr." Luís Neto Viveiros spoke during the opening session of the seminar on the role of research and conservation projects in the preservation of endangered species and the increase of biodiversity. The event is taking place at the Furnas ... more >>

Information: Government authorises increased wild rabbit hunting efforts to combat damages in agriculture
The Government of the Azores has decided to change the 2014-2015 hunting season on the island of São Miguel in order to contribute to the population control of wild rabbits on this island by increasing the hunting effort on this species, which has been causing damages on farm lands. Published in the Official Journal on Friday, the amendment was determined by the Regional Secretariat for A... more >>

Information: Revision of POSEI submitted to Brussels "was carried out by the Azores," says Luís Neto Viveiros
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Environment underlined the contributions provided by the Azores Agricultural Federation and other agricultural associations under the hearing process promoted by the Regional Government for the preparation of the proposed revision of POSEI that was submitted to Brussels. Therefore, we can say that this proposal was submitted by "the Azores" and not just b... more >>

Information: Luís Neto Viveiros assures that SERCLA "guarantees impartially and credibility" of raw milk classification
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment stated today that the operation of the Milk Classification Service (SERCLA under the administration of IAMA) "provides a guarantee of impartiality and credibility." In this context, the government official stressed that the implementation of the Community Directive and the Ordinance regulating the classification of raw milk does not requir... more >>

Information: Azorean Government defends access of regional dairy companies to EU emergency measures
The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Environment is monitoring the development of urgent measures announced by the European Commission with the aim of supporting the dairy sector, following the trade embargo imposed by the Russian Federation. These measures will be under discussion at the Council of Ministers of Agriculture on September 5. As Commissioner Ciolos revealed, the European Co... more >>

Information: Government of the Azores admits possibility of extending age limit in the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment stated in Ponta Delgada that the age limit of 55 years to access the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA) "does not make sense," taking into consideration the end of the Support Measure for Early Retirement by Community decision. "It does not make sense in this specific context. The matter is under consideration... more >>

Information: Regional Government anticipates payment of 16 million Euros in farm aid
The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and the Environment has requested for the third consecutive year the anticipation of the payment of 16 million Euros to Azorean farmers under POSEI, being the maximum amount authorised by Community regulations. The financial aid corresponds to the premiums for Dairy Cow, Milk Producers and Suckling Cow. The regulation provides that such payments be made u... more >>

Information: Monte da Guia Trail in Faial Natural Park with new guidance signs
Located in Faial Natural Park, the Monte da Guia Trail is now provided with guidance signs in order to enhance the safety conditions for visitors. The intervention carried out in this trail also included the partial removal of the asphalt pavement in the trail, which has a total extension of about two kilometres. This trail runs around one of the major environmental protection sites on the islan... more >>

Information: Luís Neto Viveiros announces "Azores Forests" brand and assures Government's commitment to boost the sector
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment announced at the Pinhal da Paz Forest Reserve the creation of the "Azores Forests" brand, which, in conjunction with Forest Management Certification, will identify the origin of endogenous forest products and services. In addition to consolidating these products, the dissemination of the "Azores Cryptomeria" brand "will comprise [in the ... more >>

Information: Family farming "combats desertification of rural areas," says Luís Neto Viveiros
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment stated at the opening session of the seminar on "Family Farming versus Sustainable Farming" that "talking about family farming" means "combating the desertification of rural areas." "It also means employment, social cohesion, environmental protection, wealth generation, better living conditions and the combat to the desertification of rur... more >>