Good cooperation between local and regional authorities contributes to development of agriculture in the Azores, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on Corvo Island that the good cooperation between local and regional authorities contributes positively to the development of the agricultural sector in the Azores.
"I would like to emphasise the significant cooperation on the part of Municipal Councils and Village Councils with the Regional Government in various areas, from the supply of water to farms to the maintenance of agricultural roads and rodent control campaigns. These are very important services for the development of agriculture," said João Ponte.
The government official spoke after signing a collaboration protocol with Corvo Town Council on the second and last day of the statutory visit to the smallest island of the Azores.
João Ponte considered that the partnership between local and regional power may be further developed. In this regard, the Azorean Government expresses its availability to do so as these partnerships are always beneficial for farmers and the population in general, in addition to contributing to an efficient management of public resources.
The Regional Secretary stressed that the protocol now signed stipulates that the veterinarian from the Agrarian Development Service of Flores and Corvo will provide support, at no cost, to Corvo Town Council so that this entity may comply with its legal obligations regarding veterinary services, thus filling a previously unmet need.
"This time, it is the Regional Government that provides support to this local authority in a key area in terms of public health and animal welfare. From today, municipal veterinary services will be ensured by a technical resource available on the island. Hence, this municipality will be on equal footing with other Municipal Councils in the Azores, which already have veterinarians," João Ponte said, adding that this protocol benefits Corvo islanders."