The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced on Faial that the Government will approve this month more projects on several islands under the VITIS programme, representing an overall amount of 3.5 million Euros.
 
"These 120 hectares will be added up to the almost 600 that have already been approved and are underway," said João Ponte, who spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the private investment project Fayalwines.
 
According to the Secretary for Agriculture folder, this is another step towards the consolidation and diversification of agriculture in the archipelago. In his regard, he noted that vineyards "will become significant in a few years," contributing to the creation of more jobs and wealth.
 
Regarding the private investment he visited today on Faial, João Ponte said it concerns an entrepreneurial project developed by a young entrepreneur who is launching himself in this sector.
 
"We before an innovative and differentiating project compared to what has been customary in vineyards. It is a project developed in the sand soil of Capelinhos volcano," the Regional Secretary said, adding that these conditions generate expectations regarding the characteristics and quality of the wine produced.
 
With an area of seven hectares, this private project is co-financed by the VITIS programme in the amount of 136 thousand Euros and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2018.
 
João Ponte pointed out that this Community programme focused on vineyards has been "very important and efficiently used" by winemakers in the Azores, with special emphasis on the island of Pico, where there is a strong winemaking tradition.
 
VITIS aims to increase the competitiveness of wine producers through the restructuring of vineyards and the improvement of wine quality, as demonstrated by the awards that Azores wines have won.