Regional Government highlights Fruter's contribution to development of agricultural diversification on Terceira Island
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry highlighted in Angra do Heroísmo the contribution made by Frutercoop to the qualification and development of agricultural diversification on the island of Terceira.
“The development of the agricultural diversification sector on the island of Terceira in the current legislative period is confirmed by the growth of 30% in the production area and 16% in the number of producers. In fact, banana production has grown by more than 100 tonnes over the last three years and the production of proteas has tripled, from one to three million exported stems," noted João Ponte. Moreover, the entry of 18 young farmers with first installation projects was supported under PRORURAL+, representing an investment over 3.5 million Euros.
The government official spoke at the signing of a financial protocol between the Regional Directorate for Agriculture and Frutercoop - Cooperative of Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Terceira Island. On the occasion, he stated that the growth of Fruter's turnover, which increased 55% between 2016 and 2019, clearly demonstrates the growth of the agricultural diversification sector, which has acquired economic relevance, creating jobs and generating wealth.
“The path followed in recent years should be continued in the future and, in this context, farmers can count on the support of cooperatives, with Fruter being a good example of a cooperative with good results,” stressed João Ponte. According to him, cooperatives should be regarded by farmers as partner entities for their ability to gain scale in the market, to simplify administrative structures and to create value for its production.
For all this, the government official considered that the support allocated by the Regional Government to various agricultural cooperatives is justified. With the protocol now signed, Fruter will receive about 160 thousand Euros for the purchase of equipment to enhance its products, namely a washer and a fruit and vegetable weighing and packaging machine, among others.
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry also stressed that the pandemic situation has made everyone more aware of the need to strengthen food self-sufficiency, the importance of local trade and the option of consuming Azorean products, thus contributing to the development and growth of the main pillar of the regional economy.