The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment highlighted in Luxembourg the understanding that was reached, for the first time, at the meeting of the EU Agricultural Council towards the creation of aid mechanisms for the milk sector. The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, admitted the granting of support to farmers.
 
"After the analysis of market developments in recent months, the majority of Member States have spoken favourably about the necessity of providing support to the dairy sector in order to address the difficulties European producers have been facing" due to the difficulties in the provision of an outlet for their products," said Luís Neto Viveiros.
 
In this regard, the Regional Secretary, who attended the meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Capoulas Santos, announced that "the Commission is committed to present a series of support measures as the next Council of July 18 with the aim of minimising the effects of crisis."
 
Phil Hogan also responded favourably to a challenge launched by Portugal, urging Member States to anticipate in October the payment of the aid granted under the Common Agricultural Policy up to 70%, a claim defended by the Azores.
 
The authorisation of the European Commission to Member States double the amount of "de minimis" aid from 15 thousand to 30 thousand Euros, regarded by the Region as of utmost importance, was another proposal submitted by Portugal that had the support of several Member States. It is expected to be formally discussed at the Council to be held in July.
 
The Portuguese position, in agreement with the Autonomous Region of the Azores, also includes, since March, the defence of specific support measures under the archipelago's outermost status and the special impact of price drops.