Implementation rate of Agriculture Investment Plan has already reached 75%, assures João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that the good implementation of the Plan is far more important than its appropriations. In this context, the Government intends to achieve this year an implementation rate in the Agriculture Plan even higher than in 2018 in order to further develop the agricultural sector and strengthen its competitiveness.
“In 2018, the Agriculture Plan registered an implementation rate of 88% and this year we reached 75% in late November, i.e., we are about two percentage points higher than in the same period of last year, ”said João Ponte, who spoke Wednesday at the presentation session of the 2020 plan for the agricultural sector on Graciosa Island.
The government official stressed that, as of 2019, the Government is investing more in agriculture than last year, considering that "this is good for farmers and is also positive for the entire agricultural sector. This another step we are taking towards a better prepared agriculture in the Azores to overcome challenges."
In his speech, João Ponte announced that the process of certifying Graciosa Garlic as a as a Protected Geographic Identification (PGI) product is already under way.
"The PGI classification of Graciosa Garlic falls within the regional strategy to enhance and strengthen the reputation of our local production," João Ponte said, adding that there is an area of approximately seven hectares on this island dedicated to garlic, with an annual production of about 25 tonnes.
In the context of the amendments to the POSEI programme for 2020, presented by the Regional Government and whose EU Commission's decision will be known this month, João Ponte pointed out that the aim is to increase the aid for cantaloupe melon crop from 1,150 Euros to 1,400 Euros per hectare. He considering that this measure is another incentive for the growth of cantaloupe melon production on Graciosa, with benefits for farmers and for the local economy.
Regarding the 2020 Plan, specifically on Graciosa Island, João Ponte assured that a very strong investment in the modernisation of public infrastructures and farms in order to enhance the efficiency of these farms.
The Regional Secretary announced that the Government will invest 750 thousand Euros on this island in agricultural infrastructures, such as the electrification of Canada atrás do Pico water abstraction borehole and the improvement of Fajã road.
The 2020 Plan also includes support for Graciosa producers' organisations.