The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stressed today the role of the Azorean dairy industry in the "innovation and processing of milk into added value products."
 
"This has been possible due to investments in modernisation that will ultimately enhance the entire milk sector and win new markets, which is a strategic challenge shared by the Regional Government," said João Ponte. The government official spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the dairy plant INSULAC, located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande. It included a meeting with the administration board, during which he highlighted its investment in modernisation, increased production capacity and processing of products as well as the good use of Community funds.
 
The project developed by INSULAC is one the projects approved Tuesday under PRORURAL+, representing a global investment over eight million Euros; 5.7 million Euros correspond to public spending.
 
According to João Ponte, “this project is primarily aimed at the creation of products that have the potential to meet market expectations and generate added value."
 
In this regard, the Regional Secretary expressed his "satisfaction" with the investment, adding that it "demonstrates the industry's confidence in the future of the Azorean dairy sector."
 
"The industry has to adjust its production to new market trends and the choice options of consumers, which are constantly evolving," said João Ponte. In this context, the government official considered that "the industry should keep up with these trends in order to find niche markets that are critical for the promotion of dairy products and milk."
 
The facilities of INSULAC are designed to produce quality dairy products. They are equipped with the best high-end technology for processing and production control.
 
Its production has been growing at a good pace, receiving over 60 million litres of milk each year. The annual production of INSULAC is at 5,000 tonnes of cheese, 1,000 tons of powdered milk and 2,000 tonnes of whey powder.
 
The Regional Secretary also stressed that "the enhancement of dairy products and the subsequent boost in the processing yield should also be reflected, when possible, on the increase of milk prices and producers' income."
 
Under CALL - Azorean Milk and Dairy Centre, João Ponte added that the Government "is preparing an application to be submitted in coming days for the promotion of Azorean dairy products in international markets in order to win new markets."