Improving farmers' income is fundamental to ensuring future and sustainability of the sector, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on Pico that improving farmers' incomes is critical to ensuring the future and sustainability of the agricultural sector. This goal can be achieved through different ways and involving all agents in the sector.
"It involves the provision of tools and the implementation of measures to help modernising farms and support farmers' income, such as the case of the PRORAGRI and I9AGRI, which will soon enter into force, or the increase of POSEI aid with the Region's own funds," stressed João Ponte. According to him, these measures "are two good examples of the Regional Government's action in favour of farmers."
The government official spoke on the sidelines of a meeting with the Board of Pico Farmers' Association that was held under the Regional Government's statutory visit to this island.
For João Ponte, other ways of boosting farmers' income involve the reduction of production costs, improved management and the investment in the implementation of modernisation projects to improve the efficiency of farms. In the specific case of Pico, almost 120 projects have been approved under PRORURAL+, representing an investment of 7.3 million Euros.
"Investments in agricultural infrastructures are also an important component in reducing farm costs and, thus, in improving farmers' income," said João Ponte. The Regional Government's statutory visit to Pico will highlight the strong commitment to improve agricultural infrastructures.
Moreover, the Regional Secretary also stressed the importance of continuing to boost production. In this context the processing and cooperative sectors have an increased responsibility to achieve the desired improvement in farmers' income, whether in beef, milk or wine production.
"It is fundamental to keep up with the efforts in innovation and find new markets," stated the government official.
The entry of more young farmers is another determining factor to guarantee the future and profitability of the sector. In the particular case of Pico, 32 applications for first installation projects amounting to more than 1.5 million Euros have already been approved under PRORURAL+, corresponding to almost 15% of the number of young farmers' applications approved in the Region.
"This indicator shows the dynamics, confidence and ability of Pico's agricultural sector to attract young people and guarantee their future," stated João Ponte. In this context, he pointed out the Regional Government's commitment to continue working and defining the best public policies to support the growth and development of the agricultural sector.