The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment assured that the Government of the Azores will anticipate the payment of the premium to milk producers. The government official spoke at the opening session of the 1st Autumn Holstein Frisian Cow Contest - São Miguel.

"Next year, the Government of the Azores will continue to anticipate the payment of the premium to milk producers. However, this will take place within a different framework since the premium will now be paid based on the quantity of milk produced and not according to the quota held by each producer," Luís Neto Viveiros said, mentioning the changes resulting from the revision of POSEI.

Luís Neto Viveiros also revealed that, next week, he will start the hearing of the Azores Agricultural Association and its member associations on the proposed ordinances that will regulate this direct aid programme, recently approved by the European Commission.

The Regional Secretary restated his confidence in the sector's ability to face the current challenges, assuring that the "Regional Government is always at the forefront of those willing to work and collaborate."

In his speech, Luís Neto Viveiros stressed that the 1st Autumn Holstein Frisian Cow Contest - São Miguel "is an event that clearly demonstrates a new and bold initiative that highlights the entrepreneurial and leadership capacity of its organisers."

"The Agricultural Association is committed to finding new ways of using the space where we are now," the Regional Secretary said, alluding to the São Miguel Exhibition Park. In this context, the government official added that "the quality level of our genetic resources and the Region's status in the field of animal health can become a new business opportunity that we cannot afford to miss."