National Agriculture Fair is "space of excellence" to promote Azorean products, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry said the 54th National Agriculture Fair, to be held in Santarém, is a "space of excellence for the promotion of good products in the Azores."
"These events attract many consumers and create opportunities to do business. They are moments of excellence for the promotion of the best the Azores have to offer," João Ponte said, pointing out the case of milk and dairy products as well as jams, liqueurs and pineapple, among other regional products.
João Ponte toasted "to the success of agriculture" with Azorean milk together with the Minister of Agriculture, Capoulas Santos, and the President of the Azores Agricultural Federation of the Azores, Jorge Rita. On the occasion, he stressed the fact that the archipelago's products are fashionable is not enough, noting that "one must appear and be present in this type of events."
In this context, he said the Azorean Government is "very pleased" with the stand of São Miguel Agricultural Association at the event, where it is only entity representing the Azores.
In statements made Saturday at the opening of the fair, João Ponte welcomed the fact that, from July 1, the origin of milk, cheese, curd, yogurt, butter and cream will be included in packaging labels to inform consumers about the countries of origin of the milking and processing of the product, according to the legislation published Friday in the Official Gazette.
The new scheme on the composition, labelling and marketing of milk and dairy products further specifies that milk originating in the Azores and Madeira, following the name of the country, may also contain, optionally, the name of the Autonomous Region.
"The Government has done its part, now it is up to the industry to do its own," João Ponte said, adding that next year he hopes to make a toast at the National Agriculture Fair with Azorean milk, but now with higher prices paid to producers.
The National Agricultural Fair has about 700 exhibitors dedicated to agriculture and livestock, associations of the sector, handicrafts and food, among others. This year, the event is held under the main theme "Cereals of Portugal."
The programme of the fair, which runs until June 18, includes seminars that will address the main agricultural issues as well as parades, competitions of "campinos," equestrian activities, folklore dances and traditional music. Moreover, there will also be an exhibition on agricultural and livestock machinery.