Regional Government highlights confidence of producers' organisations in the future of Pico's agriculture
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on the island of Pico that producers' organisations have shown confidence in the future of agriculture on this island and have been important partners of the Regional Government in the development of the sector.
“This confidence primarily stems from farmers' entrepreneurial ability as well as from the investment in the quality of production, whether in wine, meat, cheese, honey or its promotion in markets,” said João Ponte, who spoke on the sidelines of the meeting with Verd'Atlântico Cooperative and Leite Montanha Cooperative.
The government official, who also met Thursday with Pico Island Farmers' Association (AAIP), pointed out that, if we specifically consider the wine sector, 80% of the projects approved under VITIS are from Pico, with 116 applications approved in the last call.
According to João Ponte, another important sign of confidence in the future of agricultural sector is evidenced in the last PRORURAL+ call, seeing that 24% of applications for farm modernisation projects and 29% of applications for the first installation of young farmers were submitted by Pico farmers.
As for the Regional Government, the government official stated the work done and in progress is visible to all, even though it is always necessary to do more and better, recalling, for example, that 1.1 million Euros will be invested in agricultural roads and water supply to farms on Pico Island during this legislative period.
The Regional Secretary guaranteed that the Regional Government will always be fully available to continue working with the different partners in the sector to find the best solutions, stimulating and supporting the continuous development, especially when we face enormous challenges arising from the pandemic.
"The Regional Government will do everything within the reach of its powers to help the agricultural sector overcoming this moment of enormous challenges, always trying to fulfil the expectations of all agents in the sector," assured João Ponte.