Agricultural Council of the European Union approved anticipation of aid to Azorean farmers
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced today that the Agricultural Council of the European Union has approved the anticipated payment of Community aid to farmers in the Azores.
João Ponte said the decision follows the request made in June by the Regional Government to the Azorean Government for the European Commission to approve the anticipation of 70% in the payment of POSEI aid and 85% in the PRORURAL+ measures for farmers.
This measure now approved will allow the overall amount of anticipated aid to reach 50 million Euros.
"The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Capoulas Santos, has just informed me that, within the meeting of the Agricultural Council of the European Union, the Azorean claim was approved," said the Regional Secretary.
For João Ponte, this is "good news for the sector and for the Azores," which "demonstrates the success" of the initiative taken by the Regional Government and the "good coordination" between both government in the defence of the agricultural sector.
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry also considered that this European decision comes at an important time for the agricultural and dairy sector.
"As we know, the price of milk paid to producers in the Azores is much lower than in the rest of the European Union. Hence, this anticipated payment, which will be made in October, will ensure the liquidity of farms " said João Ponte.