The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today that the modernisation of agricultural infrastructures is one of the key strategic axes for the development of the sector and for which the Regional Government continues to work.
 
"It is true that much has already been done, but there is always more to be done. We are aware of this," said João Ponte. The government official spoke at the opening of an agricultural road located within the Agricultural Planning Perimeter of Altares/Raminho, adding that the Regional Government has sought to adjust available resources to priorities.
 
In this context, he stressed that the Investment Plan approved by the Legislative Assembly "evidences the efforts that the Regional Government wants to undertake in improving" water supply, accessibility and power supply. According to him, they "are fundamental to the life farmers and the Government's has always intended to make life easier for farmers at all levels."
 
"The Government is a strategic partner of farmers and associations," said João Ponte.
 
A public investment of 400 thousand Euros, the rural road opened today covers an area of 700 hectares, corresponding to a quarter of the total area of the Agricultural Planning Perimeter in which it is located.
 
This is an investment made by the Regional Institute of Agrarian Planning (IROA), which will benefit 20 farms along the road and around 40 farms in the vicinity.
 
"Over the past four years alone, IROA has invested over eight million Euros," João Ponte said, adding that it is necessary to mention another 314 kilometres of paved roads and more than 500 kilometres of water supply network already built.