The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today that the creation of the Milk Route represents the "recognition of the sector's relevance and will be an important contribution to its promotion with those who visit us."

 For João Ponte "the Milk Route is an investment in the combination between tourism and agriculture. Our landscape is predominantly rural, where our pastures add up a very special touch.  Many tourists seek our Region for this strong connection to rural areas and for being an exemplary Region from an environmental perspective. This is due to the type of farming carried out in the archipelago."

 "Tourists have the opportunity to consume our products and promote them," the Regional Secretary said, adding that "this link between tourism and agriculture will ensure the Region's development in the coming years."

 João Ponte spoke at the presentation of the new headquarters of the Azores Milk Brotherhood and the Milk Route project that took place in the village of Arrifes, Ponta Delgada.

 The Regional Secretary considers that "this project should be implemented insofar as it is another space for the promotion and dissemination of what is ours and an attraction for those who visit us. The Milk Route is a project that not only values the activity itself but also the Region as a whole."

 The creation of the Milk Route will allow tourists to watch the course of this raw material in the area of Arrifes, which is considered the largest dairy region of the Azores, and then have the opportunity to visit a farm, a cooperative and a point of sale. Hence, they will have a complete view of the entire milk production cycle.

The new headquarters of the Azores Milk Brotherhood is installed in a recovered old milk collection station located in Largo das Arribanas. It will operate as an interpretation centre.

The Azores Milk Brotherhood was created by several entities, such as the Parish Council of Arrifes, the São Miguel Young Farmers' Association, Unileite and Bom Pastor Cooperative.

This is a dynamic project, subsidised by PRORURAL +, that will be supported by the Government. It focuses on the goals proposed by the Brotherhood, since its establishment in 2011, namely the dissemination and promotion of Azorean milk as well as local products.