The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment welcomed the awarding of the Protected Geographical Indication classification to Santa Maria Cantaloupe by the European Commission. Luís Neto Viveiros considered it as "a commercial asset," whose "seal" may be already used in this year's production.

"The classification of Santa Maria Cantaloupe as a Protected Geographical Identification (PGI) product had already been published in the Official Journal on September 13, 2013. In addition to being acknowledged by Brussels, this is the seventh certification of this type to be awarded to Azorean agro-food products," recalled Luís Neto Viveiros.

Besides the PGI certification of Santa Maria Cantaloupe and Azores Meat, other products were distinguished as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products at a national and Community level: São Jorge Cheese, Azores/São Miguel Pineapple, São Miguel/Azores Passion Fruit, Azores Honey and Pico Cheese.

The Government of the Azores provides technical support so that organisations or recognised associations may apply to the certification of their products, which represents a commercial and cultural asset.