João Ponte defends genuineness of wines for sustainability of viticulture in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on Pico that sustainability is a major challenge for viticulture as a determining factor in employment creation, wealth generation and economic development, pointing out a series of strategic goals that must be achieved in coming times.
"One of the key goals concerns the safeguarding of the genuineness and authenticity of Azorean wines," said João Ponte. He spoke Wednesday on the signing of a protocol between the Regional Directorate for Rural Development and the Regional Wine Commission (CVR) of the Azores.
This protocol, signed at the Regional Oenology Laboratory, is a further contribution to the defence of the authenticity of Azorean wines by reinforcing the control to be carried out by the CVR Açores on the labelling of uncertified wines produced or bottled in the Azores, mentioned João Ponte.
The CVR Açores already holds monitoring powers with regard to the production, marketing and certification of wine products bearing the DO (Designation of Origin) or GI (Geographical Indication) certifications.
According to the Regional Secretary, it is essential to ensure the predictability of vineyard maintenance aid, annually paid to producers. In this regard, he defended that the amendments introduced this year to POSEI are precisely intended to ensure the continuity of this aid.
"In view of the amounts now set, we want that producers may be able to count on them in the future," João Ponte said, adding that the budget allocation for vineyard maintenance increased by 50%, which demonstrates the Regional Government's strategic investment in viticulture.
Another goal pointed out by João Ponte, who also met with the Board of the Winery Cooperative on Pico, is the need to attract more investors to this island for grape processing, given its huge wine production potential that will soon exceed the installed transformation capacity.
Since 2014, projects amounting to 21 million Euros have been approved under VITIS, which have contributed to recovery and preservation of about 800 hectares of vineyards in the Azores.
João Ponte also called for the involvement and accountability of all the agents of the sector, considering that this is the only way to ensure the development of this centuries-old production that has seen a considerable growth over the last years.
"On the Regional Government's part, there is availability to support and help Azores wines becoming increasingly known, so that this will result in the increased projection and sustainability of the sector," said João Ponte.
"We must all join efforts and focus on the key goal, which are Azorean wines, always towards the success of the sector," said the Regional Secretary.