Regional Government invests 12 million Euros in Terceira's the agricultural sector in the current legislative period, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that the Regional Government invests 12 million Euros in infrastructures and equipment for the agricultural sector of Terceira Island in the current legislative period, thus leveraging the island's economy, reducing farmers' production costs and generating more value throughout the production chain.
"Regarding the agricultural infrastructure component, such as roads, water supply and electrification of farms, the amount to be invested on this island will be 80% higher than that invested between 2013 and 2016," said João Ponte. In the current legislative period, the Government also carried out other relevant investments such as the expansion of Terceira slaughterhouse, the acquisition of equipment for the Regional Veterinary Laboratory and the completion of the Multi-sectoral Park.
The government official spoke on the sidelines of the visit to the site of the improvement works of Ginjal agricultural road in the parish of Porto Judeu, located within the Agricultural Planning Perimeter (POA) of Paúl Dairy Basin, an investment of almost 300 thousand Euros that will improve the access to 25 farms, covering an area of 250 hectares.
For João Ponte, this type of public investment aimed at improving working conditions and the movement of farmers, making farms increasingly competitive and efficient, is extremely important as it is also a clear sign of confidence in the future of the sector.
On the other hand, the government official stressed that the investment of 1.6 million Euros in the expansion and improvement of Terceira Slaughterhouse was fundamental to continue providing a full response to the development of the meat sector, with great potential for expansion, which creates jobs and generates wealth.
Additionally, the Regional Government made several investments in the Regional Veterinary Laboratory for the acquisition of technical equipment in the current legislative period. According to João Ponte, it is extremely important for the development and improvement of the regional agricultural production for the tests carried out and the services it provides in terms of implementing compulsory surveillance, health, safety and food hygiene plans, among others.
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry also highlighted the importance of five million-Euro investment made in the Multi-sectoral Park. It contributed to the rehabilitation of the Vinha Brava area and the creation of a new hub of economic development on the island, which congregates various services and areas related to Agriculture.