The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry met today on Santa Maria with cooperatives and the local agricultural association in the context of a round of meetings with industry organisations. According to him, "the proximity and cooperation between the Government and organisations are fundamental to the success of the agricultural sector."
 
Speaking after the meeting with the Santa Maria Agricultural Association, João Ponte reiterated the Government's availability to further strengthen water supply network in farms and improve the network of agricultural roads on that island.
 
"This is a very important effort towards the increase of producers' income and the competitiveness of their farms," said the government official.
 
João Ponte stressed that the meat sector on Santa Maria "has stabilised and shows no signs of concern," highlighting the commitment of local farmers and the Regional Government in the continuous improvement of the sector.
 
With regard to cantaloupe production, the Regional Secretariat noted the estimated increase in the production area of over 10 hectares "with enthusiasm." According to him, "it is a challenge for producers and has great importance to agricultural diversification."
 
The "Santa Maria Cantaloupe" has been classified as PGI since 2015 and, due to its quality, the market demand has always been higher than supply. In this regard, João Ponte ensured that the increase of production "will have an adequate market outlet."
 
In the meetings held today, the Secretary for Agriculture conveyed to the Santa Maria Agricultural Association as well as to the Agromariensecoop and ARCOA cooperatives his availability to continue supporting producers' organisations, thus continuing the policies pursued in this sector. 
 
João Ponte acknowledged "the importance of producers' organisations on the island of Santa Maria and their key role in providing technical support and encouraging agricultural production."