Consuming Azorean products contributes to the strengthening of our economy, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on the island of Faial that consuming Azorean products contributes to the strengthening of the regional economy.
“Choosing to consume, preferably, what is produced locally strengthens our economy, generates local wealth and creates more jobs, something that we all need to bear in mind,” said João Ponte, who spoke on the sidelines of the visit to the Triângulo Shop, managed by Faial Farmers' Association, at the Horta Market.
On the second day of the Regional Government's visit to Faial Island, the government official considered that, in the current phase of economic recovery, “consuming Azorean products helps those who produce, helps those who process and helps those who market them, i.e., it allows us to help each other.”
João Ponte considered that it is essential to foster in the Region a culture of pride in what the Azoreans do and produce best, stressing that this is achieved, right from the start, by choosing to consume Azorean products.
"However, producing well and with quality is not enough to sell more and better, hence the efforts that have been undertaken at that level, which will have to be intensified in the future to enhance this visibility," stressed João Ponte. In this regard, he considered that projects such as Triângulo Shop are important, as they materialise and enhance the development of the internal market, which can and should continue to be further expanded.
João Ponte also highlighted the importance of markets as true showcases of Azorean agricultural productions and the role played by local trade over the last months in providing an outlet for local production. From this standpoint, he also mentioned the advantages of shorter commercial chains, as they create proximity between those who produce and those who consume, besides enhancing the value of productions.