The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in Horta that farmers, associations and all agents in production sectors "can count on the determination and commitment of the entire team of the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry to improve the income of farmers and strengthen the entire sector."
 
João Ponte spoke at the Legislative Assembly during the presentation of the Programme of the Government, considering that "it is absolutely necessary" that sector grow in terms of innovation, diversification, promotion of products and, subsequently, in sales and penetration of new markets.
 
The Regional Secretary also took the commitment to intensify the defence of the specificities of the regional agricultural sector with the European Union, together with producers and industry organisations, to better adapt the CAP measures to the characteristics and particular constraints of Azorean agriculture.
 
According to João Ponte, the Azorean Government will carry out the evaluation and updating of PRORURAL+, POSEI and other agricultural political tools in accordance with the changing needs of the sector.
 
As for milk production, the path to be followed involves the enhancement of this strategic sector so that it may generate more revenue and contribute to the improvement of producers' income
 
In this regard, the Azorean Milk and Dairy Centre has played a leading role in defining strategies for campaigns intended to promote and disseminate the consumption of Azorean milk and dairy products. It also intends to stimulate the industry and increase research, innovation and enhancement of its products.
 
With regard to the meat sector, the Government will consolidate the transformations occurred by driving this industry to new levels of competitiveness with the increase in the slaughter of cattle and the export of carcasses and packaged meat.
 
João Ponte stated that "the redevelopment of the regional slaughter network will be concluded during this term." Hence, the Region will have a "modernised network with response capacity to the increasing demands of the consumer market."
 
In the areas of agricultural diversification, namely horticultural and floricultural productions, the Government of the Azores "aims to revitalise traditional productions as well as those productions in which the Region faces shortages in accordance with the endogenous potential of each island," said the government official.
 
As for wine production, the government official mentioned that wine exports took off consistently in recent years, with potential exports to 20 countries. João Ponte assured that the Government of the Azores will continue the development of this sector, strengthening its national and international visibility. 
 
The Regional Government will continue the qualification of infrastructures to support farms in terms of agricultural roads, water supply and electrification, which will benefit farmers throughout the archipelago.
 
For João Ponte, it is also important "to continue the support measures and the promotion of land parcelling, agricultural restructuring and rejuvenation of the sector, taking into consideration that the increase and concentration of farm areas are fundamental to improving of the sector's performance."
 
It is also important to "strengthen the economic component of the forestry sector through the promotion of management aimed at the enhancement of forest products and the increase of the sector's competitiveness in the Region by reaching new markets."
 
João Ponte also reaffirmed "the Government's readiness to combine efforts and synergies with Local Authorities" in order "to improve accessibility and water supply and, thus, make life easier for those who work every day towards the growth and enhancement of agricultural activity. "