Regional Government is investing more than 2.1 million Euros in agricultural infrastructures on Terceira
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, João Ponte, stated today that the Regional Government is investing this year more than 2.1 million Euros in agricultural infrastructures on Terceira, namely in roads, water supply and electrification of farms. These investments will provide with better working conditions, contribute to the reduction of costs and boost the competitiveness of farms, particularly at a time when there is a great deal of pressure on dairy farms due to the price of milk paid to producers.
"These and other investments that the Regional Government is making at different levels are of great relevance and have a significant and direct impact on the cost structures of farms," said João Ponte. He spoke at the opening of Ramada Forest Road in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, an investment of about 200 thousand Euros.
In case of Terceira Island, the government official pointed out that the Government will carry out this year the interventions in Mal Farto and Ginjal Agricultural Roads, through IROA, S.A, as well as in Serra do Cume and Bairro Vermelho Rural Roads, through the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources. These interventions represent an overall investment of 1.8 million Euros.
The Region currently has a network of rural and forest roads that stretches over an area of 1,600 kilometres, half of which have already been paved as a result of the 25 million-Euro investment over the last ten years.
João Ponte ensured that the Regional Government will remain attentive to the concerns and needs of the agricultural sector regarding the modernisation of infrastructures as they are fundamental interventions to guarantee the future sustainability of the sector.
The Regional Secretary also pointed out that the function of these roads in the Azores goes far beyond the agricultural sector as far as they are being used by different economic sectors, such as the case of Tourism.
"The Regional Government has achieved and will continue to respond to accessibility needs" said the government official.
In regard to Ramada Forest Road, with an extension of 2 kilometres, will improve the access to 18 farms over an area of 60 hectares.