POSEI programme is essential for development of agriculture in the Azores, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forests stated on São Jorge that the POSEI programme is an essential tool to continue promoting the development of agriculture in the Azores and preparing the sector to better face the challenges of the future.
"POSEI funds have been used to leverage the development of agriculture in the Azores, thereby contributing to increasing farmers' income and the competitiveness of farms. They are a tool of great importance for regional farmers," stressed João Ponte.
The government official spoke Wednesday at the presentation of the amendments to 2019 POSEI. According to him, the Region has already demonstrated the proper and efficient use of aid granted under this programme, demanding the increase of financial support for this programme under the next Community Support Framework.
João Ponte pointed out that major efforts have been undertaken on a constant readjustment of POSEI aid over the last years. This has been achieved in full coordination with farmers and their representative organisations, namely the Azores Agricultural Federation, to meet the needs of production in accordance with the dynamics of the sector and the benefit of producers.
The Regional Secretary mentioned that the gross revenue of milk production on São Jorge stood at 8.2 million Euros in 2017, the sale of cheese by cooperatives registered 12 million Euros and the aid granted under POSEI and PRORURAL+ reached 9.4 million Euros.
"Over the last three decades, São Jorge has increased its milk production by more than 200%, from an annual production of less than 14 million litres to about 30 million litres," João Ponte said, mentioning the economic importance of this sector for the island's economy.
Moreover, the meat sector has registered a dynamic evolution. In this regard, João Ponte mentioned that 2,277 animals were slaughtered two year and that number grew to 4,000 animals in 2018.