The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment revealed today that the European Commission approved last year projects for the processing, marketing and development of agricultural products amounting to "21 million Euros" under PRORURAL+. According to him, 64.6% of this amount corresponds to private investment.
 
Luís Neto Viveiros spoke at the opening of the seminar "Innovation - Agro-industry of the Azores" in Angra do Heroísmo, pointing out that this sub-measure of the Rural Development Programme aims to "promote and ensure the competitiveness of the regional agri-food sector."
 
The Secretary for Agriculture conveyed his "belief in the potential of regional agro-industry and its ability to innovate," emphasising the importance of "the quality that differentiates regional products."
 
"We should all be aware of this unique advantage and overcome external barriers that sometimes hinder the marketing of Azorean food products," Neto Viveiros said, considering the seminar as "another step taken towards this path."
 
Under the Government's Programme, the policy to expand regional exports comprises the implementation of various measures, including the creation of the "Azores Brand" or the public support to transport and the creation of incentives through PRORURAL+ and Competir+.
 
The Regional Secretary also pointed out that, through Competir+, "several applications representing an investment of 22.3 million Euros have already been submitted" under the Sub-system for the Promotion of Exports - processing and marketing of products.
 
The seminar "Innovation - Agro-industry of the Azores" taking place today on Terceira Island is an initiative organised by the Government, through the Vice-Presidency, with the participation of speakers from public and private entities.
 
Organised by the Society for Business Development of the Azores (SDEA), the seminar aims to promote a reflection on the challenges of strategically crucial areas for the Region, such as agriculture and agro-industry face, extending the spirit of cooperation between the Government, the University and Azorean companies.