The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources assured today that the Government of the Azores is carrying out a "daily and continuous assessment" of the reality of the regional agricultural sector, which allows determining the measures and adjustments that have to be made in order to maintain the "balance, competitiveness and profitability of farms."

"It is in this perspective, through the daily and continuous assessment of the sector, that we channel the necessary financial support to maintain the balance, competitiveness and profitability of farms," said Luís Neto de Viveiros. The government official spoke to journalists at the end of a working meeting with the Board of the São Miguel Agricultural Association.

With regard to the revision of the "ceilings" set for the tax benefit awarded to agricultural diesel for 2014, whose application period runs until November 22, the Regional Secretary stated that this is a "measure of adjustment."

It is expected that this tax benefit may cover a global volume over 22 million litres of diesel used in agricultural and animal husbandry activities to be carried out in the archipelago.

"We are aware of its implications on the industry as we are also aware of the situations arising from bad weather conditions. In this context, the Government has implemented measures to support farmers, including the financial aid granted in the spring and summer and, more recently, the support to the import of cattle feed such as alfalfa, straw and hay," said the government official.

The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources also highlighted the "strong commitment" and the work carried out "in the negotiations" for the next financial programming period.

"The Region has succeeded in maintaining the amount of EU financial support" regarding the amounts estimated under POSEI at a time of "budget reduction," said Luís Neto Viveiros.

Questioned on the São Miguel Slaughterhouse, the Regional Secretary revealed that the Government "will carry out the necessary procedures for the scheduled interventions and improvements," given the "Importance of this unit in the meat production sector."

"Despite being relatively recent, this structure is already a few years old, the government official stressed, adding that the improvement works "will be carried out next year under the next Regional Plan and Budget."