The new incentive scheme for the maintenance of traditional vineyard culture landscapes in "currais" (plots protected by stone walls) and terraces as well as for traditional orchards located in protected landscape areas was published in the Official Gazette today.

Originally, the incentives were primarily intended for the maintenance of viticulture on the island of Pico, including the fig tree "currais" located in the area classified as World Heritage Site and the respective buffer zone. However, the new document also extends the support measures to vineyard and fig tree plots and traditional orchards within "currais" and terraces located in protected landscape areas sites and coastal areas, which, in turn, are part of natural parks and biosphere reserves.

The estimated support is granted on an annual basis, according to the size of plots; it may reach the maximum amount of 2,350 Euros per hectare.

The application period for maintenance contracts beginning in 2015 takes place within 30 days of the publication date of the legal document.

With this measure, the Government of the Azores aims to encourage, besides viticulture, traditional orchards; the latter are an important asset given its relevance in the landscape, biodiversity and ecological balance. They also play an important role in the economic growth of traditional productive activities in order to create jobs and generate wealth in the Region.