Technical cooperation between the Azores and Madeira contributes to development of agriculture, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that the technical cooperation between the Azores and Madeira is an important contribution to the development and qualification of agriculture in both Autonomous Regions.
"Training sessions, technical visits or even the exchange of seeds are measures that should be reinforced and stimulated between both Autonomous Regions, as there is knowledge and experience that can and should be shared," said João Ponte. The government official added that these actions fall within the protocols of cooperation signed by both Governments in Funchal last January.
At the end of October, a technician from the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry working in the area of floriculture specialisation in Agricultural Engineering participated in a training course held at the Agricultural School of Madeira. The initiative was addressed to flower producers.
The knowledge acquired by the Azorean technician, in addition to being useful, also allowed the establishment of contacts with Madeira technicians in the area of floriculture. It will certainly contribute to the reinforcement of technical capacity, which is essential for the development of this production in the Azores.
Besides participating in the training courses, the Azorean technician also had the opportunity to visit several experimental flower and fruit fields.
João Ponte pointed out that floriculture, which has evidenced a considerable development and relevance in Madeira, has raised the interest of the Azores, attracting more young producers.
"The production area of proteas in the Region has grown over 400% in four years, from less than 15 hectares in 2015 to almost 75 hectares in 2018," said the Regional Secretary.
As for 2019, João Ponte added that the Government intends to give a new impetus to experimentation in the production of proteas and, in this context, a new aid will be granted to the packaging of these flowers, whose production is mainly exported to the Netherlands.