Strategic plan for organic farming in the Azores to be concluded within six months
The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, through the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, signed in Angra do Heroísmo a protocol with the BioAzórica Cooperative to define a regional strategy for organic farming, which should be concluded within six months.
"BioAzórica is a cooperative that marks a turning point in this area and has an in-depth knowledge," the Regional Director for Agriculture said, adding that the strategic plan to be outlined "will be only consistent and effective if it corresponds to the needs of production, producers and markets."
José Élio Ventura spoke after the protocol was signed at a ceremony attended by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, João Ponte.
Both parties will work together to create a working group, which will also involve technicians from the regional public administration and specialists from the University of the Azores, who will also be responsible for defining an action plan.
José Élio Ventura pointed out that the aim is to boost producers' income and create alternatives for certain production limitations, highlighting the importance of this area.
"There is a growing public interest in organic farming as it brings environmental, public health and food safety benefits," said the Regional Director, for whom organic farming is currently a "stimulating business opportunity" as "the market clearly absorbs" what is produced.
Organic farming has been growing in the Azores, from 22 to 93 producers between 2005 and 2016. During this period, the area harvested increased from 68 to 660 hectares.
José Élio Ventura also emphasised the fact that there is an evident desire of traditional productions, like milk and meat, to invest in biological production, a segment that must be boosted due to the limitations of traditional production.