The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, João Ponte said the changes announced today by the European Commission for the campaigns aimed at the promotion of agricultural products in 2017 represent a "valuable opportunity for Azorean agriculture."
 
The changes were announced during an information session that took place in Brussels and was attended by the Azorean agricultural sector, through its representatives at the Azorean Milk and Dairy Centre.
 
While there is an increase in this year's budget - 133 million Euros compared to 111 million Euros allocated in 2016 and a co-financing rate at 70%-85% - there is also an additional amount of 9.5 million available for promotional actions directly managed by the European Commission, including EU pavilions in third countries or high-level missions.
 
The sum of 63 million Euros will be allocated for the promotion of products in third country markets.
 
The plan emphasises the products encompassed by EU quality systems, products of Outermost Regions (ORs) and organic productions. It also includes specific elements to sectors affected by market difficulties, such as dairy products, pork and beef, in addition to an extra amount of 4.5 million Euros directed to sectors facing unexpected crises.
 
These new guidelines will especially benefit the Azores, not only as an Outermost Region but also as an archipelago with a strong dairy industry that is currently affected by market difficulties.
 
As novelty in 2017, there will be also a grant of 15 million Euros to promote programmes that foster a better understanding of sustainable agriculture and the role played by agriculture in the fight against climate change in the domestic market.
 
Producers' organisations and professional associations in the European Union, including those from the Azores, may submit their proposals until April 20, the date from which the projects submitted will be evaluated and selected.