The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Environment stressed in Santa Cruz da Graciosa that it "makes all sense" that this island should take advantage of the support measures in force to develop in the wine sector, taking into consideration its wine tradition.

"There is a vast potential here in terms of cultural tradition", said Luís Neto Viveiros. The government official spoke Tuesday during an information session on PRORURAL + and the available support measures for viticulture that took at "Casa do Povo" of Guadalupe.

Neto Viveiros stressed that there are "abandoned" areas that can be recovered by taking advantage, with expected return, the support measures either provided by the Community programme VITIS or by the new scheme supported by regional funds.

Managed by Regional Directorate for Rural Development, VITIS programme aims to "increase the competitiveness of wine producers through the restructuring of vineyards and improving the quality of wine." In this context, the government official added that the Government has managed to create excellent conditions and financial support in comparison to previous programmes.

During the information session, the government official revealed that since its entry into operation, last year, this programme has already supported 67 projects presented by promoters from Pico, Terceira and São Miguel, representing an investment of three million Euros.

With regard to the Incentive Scheme for the Maintenance of Vineyards in Traditional Landscapes, this is a new opportunity for viticulture and fruit production on Graciosa.

The Regional Implementing Decree no. 24/2014/A of December 15 extended to the entire archipelago what Luís Neto Viveiros considered to be the successful experience conduced on the island of Pico. It established the support for the maintenance of traditional landscapes in protected areas with the aim of preserving traditional vineyard landscapes in "currais" (plots protected by stone walls), "fajãs" and terraces.

The support, managed by the Regional Directorate for the Environment, is granted in accordance to the eligible area per beneficiary and is paid annually. It may reach to 2,350 Euros per hectare for areas with grape varieties suitable for the production of wines with Designation of Origin.

Moreover, it also provides an annual aid of 2,000 Euros per hectare for areas with grape varieties suitable for the production of wines with geographical indication 'Azores' and 1,500 Euros per hectare for areas with traditional orchard species and vineyards."

"It was this challenge that came here to launch," the Regional Secretary said, adding that he expects that, next year, "after the end of application period and analysis of projects, we may be here signing contracts. This means that farmers have joined this initiative and that we are recovering a significant and important culture on this island."
 
Luís Neto Viveiros also ensured the availability of the Regional Directorate for Agriculture to carry out training courses directed to this sector. Asked by journalists, the government official said that, according to the information provided at meetings and by contacts, the issue on the funding provided by the Cooperative Cellar to the investment project "is about to be solved."