The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry highlighted today the great vitality and dynamics of the dairy sector in the Azores, registering a production growth up to 3.4% in August in comparison with the same period of 2017.
"In the particular case of Flores, where production has grown above the regional average, standing at 5.6%, the challenge is to maintain this trend of growth in milk production. It is an essential condition to maintain the sustainability of the manufacturing industry, but mainly of the dairy sector on Flores," said João Ponte.
The government official spoke after a meeting with the board of the Western Cooperative on the first day of the Regional Government's statutory visit to the island of Flores.
As of August, the Region has produced a total of 446 million litres.
Regarding the average price paid to milk producers in the Region, João Ponte pointed out that, although it has yet to guarantee a fair income to producers, the trend registered in the last two years has been positive, increasing from 25.5 cents to 28.2 cents.
"The major challenge for the industry involves the focus on innovation and the search for new markets, where local production will be appreciated, with the aim of improving the income of producers," said the Regional Secretary.
João Ponte also highlighted the efforts undertaken by the industry in the modernisation of facilities, through the community support available for this purpose, such as PRORURAL +, pointing out the example of the Western Cooperative on Flores Island.
Last year, the Western Cooperative applied for the modernisation of its facilities, an investment of 700 thousand Euros, with a view to enhancing food security and the quality of its products, thereby increasing its efficiency, productivity and income.
"This is a crucial project to guarantee the future of the dairy sector on the island of Flores," João Ponte said, adding that the butter and cheese produced by the Western Cooperative have a good acceptance in the market.
João Ponte also pointed out that the Western Cooperative has registered a very positive evolution in terms of sales volume and financial recovery, which is a factor of hope and security for producers.