Regional Government more than half a million Euros in this legislative term to improve water supply to agriculture on São Jorge
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today that the Regional Government will invest more than half a million Euros in this legislative term to improve water supply to São Jorge's agricultural sector, helping farmers in their daily lives and ensuring the sustainable development of the sector in the future.
"The Regional Government's investment in improving water supply to agriculture is strategic, because we are solving the daily problems of farmers and, above all, because we are providing better working conditions so that the sector may continue its path of development and be a driving force in São Jorge's economy," said João Ponte. He spoke at the opening of two water supply reservoirs located in Bardinhos in the parish of Ribeira Seca, municipality of Calheta.
On the second day of the Government's visit to São Jorge, João Ponte pointed out that, with this investment, the Government fulfils a commitment made to farmers and producers' organisations. Nevertheless, the Government is aware that, despite everything that has been done, it will always be necessary to continue investing in the modernisation of agricultural infrastructures.
"The Government has invested about five million Euros in water supply in the agricultural sector of São Jorge Island since 2005, which clearly evidences the positive path we have been following; however, it is still necessary to continue," said João Ponte. In the course of this statutory visit, the Government will present new investment projects "aimed at addressing the needs of São Jorge's agriculture and preparing the sector for challenges such as sustainability, more income and economic development.
Regarding the Bardinhos reservoirs, this is an investment of about 100 thousand Euros that created a small water storage complex with a total capacity of 930 cubic metre in the Agrarian Planning Perimeter of Ribeira Seca - Norte Pequeno.
For João Ponte, this will contribute to improving the response capacity during the summer and support the daily work of farmers.