European Commission approves all proposals for amendment to POSEI 2020 submitted by the Azores, announces João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry has announced that all the proposals for amendments to the POSEI 2020 programme submitted by the Azores have been approved by the European Commission. According to him, this is “very positive” decision that will continue to adjust aid to the sector's growth dynamics and greater sustainability in the Region.
"The Regional Government has already been informed that the European Commission has approved the proposals to amend the POSEI 2020 programme submitted by the Region, as in previous years, which is very positive to continue supporting the development of the regional agricultural sector," said João Ponte. In this regard, he recalled that POSEI aid is essential for reducing production costs of farms.
The government official stressed that the proposed amendment to the POSEI 2020 programme is the result of the joint work that has been carried out with the Azores Agricultural Federation, which has resulted in benefits for farmers and for the sustainable development of agriculture in the Azores.
João Ponte also recalled that the changes now approved by the European Commission for next year also stem from the contributions made by farmers during the presentation of the POSEI 2020 programme, which took place on several islands.
“This will be the last POSEI programme under the current Community Support Framework. It focuses on our traditional productions such as milk and meat but also supports emerging productions, which have grown in a very sustainable manner as it is the case of vegetables, fruit and vineyards," said João Ponte.
Besides the annual allocation of 70.5 million Euros to support local production under the POSEI programme, the Region will complement these funds with an increase of about five million Euros in regional funding to continue developing the regional agricultural sector, given its major impact on the economy, wealth generation and employment.