European funds have been decisive for growth of agricultural sector on Faial, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that European funds have been instrumental in the growth, diversification and sustainability of the agricultural sector on Faial, a path that must be pursued with determination and innovation.
"The development of the agricultural sector in the Azores, in general, and on Faial Island, in particular, is quite evident in the construction of infrastructures that greatly contribute to the modernisation of the sector, the improvement of competitiveness and the increase of profitability," stressed João Ponte.
The government official spoke Tuesday at the presentation of the amendments to POSEI 2019 on Faial. On the occasion, he pointed out, for example, that the construction of agricultural roads, electrification and water supply of farms have enabled farmers to improve working conditions, reduce production costs and increase the profitability of farms.
Moreover, the government official stated that all the investment made in the regional slaughter network, such as the new Faial Slaughterhouse, has created good conditions for the continued increase in slaughtering.
"There has been a growth of 74% over three years. We have the conditions to grow even more as nearly 600 live animals are still exported from Faial annually, despite the reduction of 24% in the last year," said João Ponte.
The Secretary for Agriculture considered that the new cutting room of Faial Slaughterhouse opens a "window of opportunity" to overcome a new challenge, that is, the transition from the export of bovine carcasses to the export of packaged meat ready for consumption. It will also contribute to the creation of jobs, generation of wealth and the increase in the value of meat due to the reduction of operators in the commercial chain.
As for milk, João Ponte pointed out that the growth of production on Faial, which registered 12.6 million litres last year, foresees a sustainable future for dairy products on this island. This situation is also important for the profitability of CALF - Faial Agricultural and Dairy Cooperative and the maintenance of POSEI aid regarding the quantity of milk produced the number of dairy cows.
In regard to agricultural diversification, the government official stressed the significant growth in floriculture, with the installation of seven young farmers and the approval of 10 investment projects in the modernisation of farms.
In the context of the amendments to POSEI 2019, a new specific aid was created for the packaging of proteas, being stipulated at five cents per stem. The aid is granted based on the quantity of stems sold for export with a size equal to or greater than 40 centimetres.
"This is a stimulus to the good work that has been done in floriculture on the island of Faial, an area with great potential for growth," said João Ponte.