The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that experimentation is fundamental for the development of agriculture in the Azores insofar as it allows testing new cultures, acquiring new knowledge and better planning public policies. It also promotes an educational component and the interest of the population.
 
"Experimentation fields are extremely important for the development of the agricultural sector with a view to providing knowledge to farmers about their production, according to the experience and trials carried out by public services on all islands and in different crops," stressed João Ponte. In this regard, he added that acquiring an in-depth is the only way to make efficient decisions.
 
João Ponte spoke at the Organic Farming Experimental Centre in Sete Cidades at the signing of a collaboration protocol between São Miguel Agrarian Development Services and Carlos Machado Museum.
 
As for the various experimental crops in the Region, the Secretary for Agriculture highlighted the cases of vegetables, fruits and, especially, white tea, which have also served to preserve the genetic heritage of species.
 
"These trials involve time and experienced technicians in order to come to conclusions. The aim is to provide farmers with the tools so that they may take the best options when it comes to producing," emphasised João Ponte.
 
On the other hand, he pointed out that the experimental fields are also sources of information collection, dissemination and spaces for educational actions to the extent that they are visited by schools and tourists.
 
"The protocol signed today with Carlos Machado Museum allows this cultural institution to use the entire field for visiting purposes, dissemination actions and research on traditional crops," João Ponte said, defending that experimental should be increasingly open to the public.
 
According to João Ponte, it is important to invest in people, future farmers and to pass on the message that the agricultural sector produces healthy and quality food in sufficient quality to feed the population.
 
In addition to promoting joint events, the protocol signed today aims to carry out an inventory as well as to describe the heritage and identity elements of agricultural production on São Miguel.
 
Given that the village of Sete Cidades is one of the main tourist points of interest for those visiting São Miguel, the implementation of this protocol also helps to create more places of interest that will boost the local economy.