Regional Government reinforces water storage capacity of Corvo's agricultural sector
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on the island of Corvo that the opening of the Entre Cancelas reservoir, which will directly benefit 41 farms, is an investment that will reinforce the water storage capacity of the island's agricultural sector by 100 cubic metres, thus boosting its development.
“This is another investment at the service of the agricultural sector, and in the particular case of Corvo farmers. It is a special project, from the outset, as it was the first investment directly made by IROA - Regional Institute of Agrarian Planning on this island and it will contribute to the increase of water storage capacity," said João Ponte.
On the second day of the Regional Government's statutory visit to Corvo, the government official stressed that this investment is a good example of the partnership with Corvo Town Council in order to “jointly build a better future for the agricultural sector,” providing the agricultural infrastructure deemed necessary for the good performance of the sector.
"This investment falls within a series of investments that the Regional Government is making throughout the Region to provide better working conditions for farmers as well as to qualify the sector for the challenges that we will face in the future," stressed João Ponte. As he added, 14 million Euros more will be invested in agricultural infrastructures than in the previous legislative period, which demonstrates the Government's investment in this sector.
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry also mentioned that, in terms of regional meat production for export, there was, on average, an increase of 18% in the current legislative period. As for agricultural diversification, an important area for reducing imports and increasing exports, the growth stands at 30%.
“These are two positive indicators. However, the Regional Government wants to do more and better to help farmers in their activity, reduce production costs, strengthen the sector to face the challenges of the future and make it increasingly attractive to young people, having already implemented a diversified set of measures,” said João Ponte. In this regard, he pointed out, as example, the creation of the Young Farmer programme, the Legal Scheme on the Cessation of Agricultural Activity, PROAGRI, i9AGRI and Family Agriculture Statute; the latter was approved this month at the Regional Parliament.
The government official also stated that, during the current legislative period, the Regional Government had to respond to unexpected situations, such as the drought in 2018, Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019 and now the pandemic, supporting farmers to minimise income losses and feed animals, among others. This aid has contributed to keep the development of the agricultural sector at a pace of growth.
“All this was possible due to the commitment and effort of our farmers as well as the partnership with producers' organisations, agricultural associations and cooperatives,” noted João Ponte, who also met today with the board of Corvo Agricultural Association to analyse the effects of the pandemic on local agriculture.