The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry estimated today that the export of proteas will increase 45% this year in the Azores, noting that floriculture is a sector that has increasingly attracted young farmers.
"This sector has been growing in recent years due to the entry of young farmers and the fact that they are using the Community funds available for that purpose," said João Ponte. He spoke at the end of a visit to a farm in the context of a workshop on this ornamental plant, an initiative organised by the Agricultural Association and the Agrarian Development Services of Faial.
João Ponte stated that 21 applications for floriculture projects submitted under PRORURAL+ have already been approved, representing a proposed investment of two million Euros and a public allocation of 1.5 million Euros.
"The island of Faial accounts for 50% of the projects submitted, that is, 10 investment projects. This shows, in fact, the entry of more people into this new area of agricultural diversification," said the government official.
The Secretary for Agriculture stressed that floriculture has proved to be an important sector, not only for its economic dynamics and the creation of jobs but also for the products with export potential.
"Last year, about two million stems (proteas) were exported, mainly to Holland. This year, we expect to reach 2.9 million stems, which is a very important growth of about 45%," said João Ponte.
The government official considered that there is still growth potential in floriculture, especially since there are investment projects submitted in the last tender that have yet to be approved and implemented.
Moreover, João Ponte pointed out that, under the last revision of POSEI, the Government of the Azores increased the amount of support granted to flower growers from 1,300 to 1,400 Euros per hectare.
"Farmers may think it is not enough, but it is an important sign that evidences that the Regional Government was attentive to the producers' complaints about the costs of this type of production compared to horticultural production," said João Ponte.
The workshop on proteas, which runs until Friday, February 23, involves the participation of 28 trainees. This initiative aims to provide technical information and exchange of knowledge with a view to developing the production of this ornamental flower.