Luís Neto Viveiros assures that the Regional Government does not encourage permanent housing of cattle in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources stated at the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that the Regional Government does not encourage the permanent housing of cattle in the archipelago.
"The policy pursued by this Government is targeted at the maintenance of the traditional farming system in the Azores" in the dairy and meat sectors, stated Luís Neto Viveiros during the discussion of a draft Project presented by CDS/PP. This Resolution recommended the definitive suspension of "all financial support to projects for the permanent housing of cattle, including those that are still under analysis and have not been authorised yet."
However, the Regional Secretary reminded the existence of "circumstances that may be suitable for this type of investment," adding that "this is a tool that could be available for farmers if the specific conditions of their farms allow it."
Luís Neto Viveiros stressed that this type of project represent "a very small percentage" of the overall projects submitted under the current Community Support Framework.
In a total of one thousand agricultural projects, representing an investment of 50 million Euros, only five projects for the permanent housing of cattle were approved, with public co-funding of 1.5 million Euros, added Luís Neto Viveiros.
The government official also clarified that these investment projects are "fully analysed" by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Development within the criteria set by the legislation in force, with special emphasis on economic viability and environmental concerns. These projects are only approved "when the criteria are fully met and when there is an assurance that this type of farms complies with all these aspects."
During the debate on the draft Resolution, which was rejected by majority, Luís Neto Viveiros further clarified that the projects for the permanent housing of cattle "have nothing to do with IGP (protected geographic indication) meat" as it "has to be produced in a clearly defined farming system that is legally established."
The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources also explained that despite supporting some projects for the permanent housing of cattle in the Region, the Government has not forgotten the "need to proceed with land reparcelling" in the archipelago.