The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources conveyed his belief that Azorean farmers will "be able" to "overcome another challenge" brought by the end of milk quotas in Europe, using the tools the tools they have available.

"Azorean farmers have faced several problems over the years," Luís Neto Viveiros stressed, assuring that they may rely on the Regional Government's commitment and effort to reinforce Community support.

Speaking to journalists in Ponta Delgada after an audience with MEPs Maria do Céu Patrão Neves and Herbert Dorfmann, Luís Neto Viveiros mentioned the commitment and willingness demonstrated by the Azorean Government with the presence of the Regional Director for Agriculture and Rural Development at several meetings held in Brussels to discuss the revision of POSEI Scheme and the new framework on CAP.

Regarding the report drafted by Herbert Dorfmann on the maintenance of milk production in mountainous areas, disadvantaged areas and outermost regions after the dismantling of the milk quota system, the Regional Secretary considered this document as a "contribution" and another "form of pressure on the European Commission."

Accordingly, the Regional Secretary revealed that a letter was sent to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos. The document evidences the Azorean proposals for the proposed revision of POSEI.

For the Government of the Azores, said Neto Viveiros, it is also important to reinforce the financial support to the development of training programmes for farmers, particularly for younger ones, as well as the adoption of technologically advanced production systems in farms to reduce costs and boost competitiveness.