New slaughterhouse is very important to boost growth of meat sector on Graciosa, said João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today that the new Graciosa's new Slaughterhouse, with an estimated budget of 5.4 million Euros, is a "very important" infrastructure to further boost the growth of the meat sector on Graciosa and it the Region. It also plays an important role in the creation of more jobs, generation of wealth and the development of the economy.
"This is a very important work for Graciosa Island as well as for the meat industry because it will provide new and better conditions. It will also increase the slaughter capacity in comparison to the current infrastructure, which, despite its limitations, has not jeopardised the growth in the number of slaughters registered in recent years," said João Ponte. He spoke at the end of a visit to the works of the new Graciosa's Slaughterhouse.
On the second day of the Regional Government's statutory visit, João Ponte assured that the work is running normally. The new slaughterhouse is expected to enter into operation in early 2019.
"Over the last four years, slaughters on Graciosa grew by 65%, while the regional average reached 22%. This is a significant figure and, from producers' standpoint, it is quite interesting as it allowed the slaughtering of animals on the island rather than exporting live cattle, which has generated important gains."
João Ponte also highlighted the importance of the commitment and dedication of slaughterhouse workers in the Azores to the good results achieved by the meat sector.
"Without them, it would not have been possible for us to make such great progress in recent years with regard to the development of the sector and the generation of more income for meat producers," said the Regional Secretary. In this context, it is only fair to acknowledge the value of human work and not just the interventions.
The Secretary for Agriculture stated that the local consumption of meat in the Azores grew 4.4% and exports increased almost 19%, compared to the same period last year. These indicators demonstrate the dynamics and potential of this sector.
João Ponte pointed out that the islands of Santa Maria (40%) and Graciosa (30%) recorded the highest growth in the number of overall slaughters, followed by São Miguel and Terceira.