Regional Government already approved 90% of applications for aid to crop losses due to drought
The Regional Director for Agriculture announced on Terceira the approval of 90% of the 1,410 applications submitted for aid to crop losses, namely forage maize and horticultural crops, as a result of the drought that hit the Azores last year.
"The aid payments for crop losses is taking place in due course and, so far, the Government has already granted more than 1.2 million Euros. It is expected that all the proceedings will be concluded as soon as possible to confirm the full compliance with Tax and Social Security obligations," said José Élio Ventura. He spoke Sunday at the closing session of the 12th Agricultural Days of Praia da Vitória.
Regarding the support for the acquisition of fibrous concentrate, straw and hay to address farms' stockfeed requirements during last year's drought, the Regional Government has already subsidised the acquisition of more than 22 tonnes in 2018 and another 14 tonnes this year.
"This support amounts to 2.3 million Euros, of which 650 thousand Euros were allocated to Terceira Island," said the government official. According to him, "it was possible to meet the needs of farms in terms of stockfeed management with tranquillity and moderate confidence."
While recognising that some disagree with this type of support, José Élio Ventura noted that a total of 3,400 benefited from this measure in the Azores, of which 980 on Terceira Island.
The Regional Director highlighted the excellence of milk production on this island, which grew 3.5% last year, while recognising the importance of ending the production limits imposed by the industry.
As for the meat sector, despite the path already followed, José Élio Ventura stressed the need to continue following the path of progress, evolving from the shipment of carcasses to the export of meat in a different format based on local cutting and packaging in consumer formats.
In his speech, the government official stressed that the provision of systematic and relevant information to the sector's partners on a permanent and continuous basis has never happened as it does now. This will help them taking active part in providing the best responses to the challenges of the agricultural sector.
"The Regional Government is always available to hear all parties, from farmers to the most recognised agricultural association, cooperative or industry," assured the Regional Director.