The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated in Horta that the proposed Plan and Budget for 2017 submitted by the Regional Government “responds to the challenges of Azorean agriculture."
 
João Ponte highlighted the "very positive impact of the proposed Investment Plan" for the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, "not only in terms of appropriations but also in terms of distribution, with a significant growth in some actions. It is in line with the medium-term strategy of the Government for the sector."
 
In this regard, he stressed that the investment plan for this regional department in 2017 represents an overall amount of investment of about 170 million Euros. It "evidences an increase in terms of allocation, either in global investment or in the investment provided for in the Plan, which demonstrates the Government's commitment to maintain an active investment policy in the sector."
 
The Regional Secretary spoke at the end of a hearing at the Committee on Economic Affairs of the Legislative Assembly. According to him, "the Government's main goal for all interventions in this sector for the coming years is to increase the yield of regional production and stimulate the growth of exports in the agri-food and agro-forestry chains."
 
Thus, we intend to ensure adequate investment in agricultural infrastructures for the coming years, namely in agricultural, rural and forest roads as well as in water and electricity supply to support agriculture.
 
The Government of the Azores will continue the public investment in the regional slaughter network, either by building new slaughterhouses or by modernisation the existing units.
 
In this context, there will be an allocation of 14 million Euros to make a qualitative leap and keep up with the evolution of the sector, which registered an increase of 30% in the slaughter of cattle for export in the last two years.
 
With this plan, we intend to further strengthen the organisation and modernisation of the meat and milk sectors as the main pillars of regional agricultural activities. Moreover, we want to promote the ongoing development of the wine sector, thus fulfilling its full potential.
 
In this regard, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry will consolidate the investments in the Regional Oenology and Plant Health Laboratories and continue the investment in the equipment for the new Regional Veterinary Laboratory. This will provide the Region with the best infrastructures for the implementation of monitoring, health action and product certification plans in compliance with international standards to improve animal well-being and food safety.
 
Furthermore, the Government of the Azores will also continue supporting private investment, producers' organisations, training, experimentation and agricultural advisory services, thus contributing to the development and qualification of products and technical skills.
 
The Plan will also ensure the appropriations of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for payments and investments under PRORURAL+, including the maintenance of agricultural activity, agri-environmental measures (Natura 2000), the LEADER approach, and the forestry and rural development measures.
 
The adherence of farmers to PRORURAL+ has been very significant and demonstratives confidence in the future of the industry, through investments and the first installation of young farmers.
 
It also aims to ensure the promotion of regional agri-food products in external markets, providing an outlet for them and enhancing their market value.
 
The focus on agricultural diversification, as an industry aimed at reducing food imports, and on value generation will also boost the profitability of agricultural activity, making it less vulnerable to market risks. This will not only revitalise traditional products, but also those whose production is insufficient in the Region.
 
The Government intends to render timber industry profitable through the cutting and reforestation of areas suited for exploration and the promotion of a sustainable management of forest properties, ensuring the production and supply of plants. This will guarantee the continuity of improvement, management and enhancement plans for Azorean forests.