Investment amounting to 90 million Euros in the modernisation of regional farms has already been approved
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on the island of São Jorge that 90 million Euros of investments promoted by farmers for the modernisation of farms, financed by PRORURAL+, have already been approved, a clear sign of confidence in the future of Azorean agriculture.
"Overall, the Region has already approved about 900 projects for the modernisation of farms, which represent an investment of 90 million Euros. In turn, the first installation of 240 young farmers in the sector corresponds to a public investment of 10 million Euros," said João Ponte. He spoke Thursday at the opening of the Pau Pique agricultural road, a ceremony chaired by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro.
According to the Secretary for Agriculture, these data, in addition to demonstrating the desire to improve the performance of their farms, also evidences the great confidence of farmers in the future of the sector in the Azores.
The agricultural road now opened during the Government's visit to the island of São Jorge is the result of an investment of 400 thousand Euros to improve accessibility and economic dynamics in the sector.
With this investment, the Regional Government fulfils another commitment made to farmers and to producers' organisations. In this context, João Ponte added that the work will benefit 25 farms located in the Agrarian Planning Perimeter (POA) of Ribeira Seca - Norte Pequeno, covering area of 150 hectares.
The Regional Secretary highlighted that the Regional Government has invested nearly five million Euros in agricultural infrastructures on the island of São Jorge over the last 10 years. This clearly demonstrates the investment made in the development of the agricultural sector, the creation of good conditions for farming activities and the improvements to make farms more competitive and better prepared for future challenges.
Despite the policies and the recent investments in agricultural infrastructures in the Region, João Ponte considered that it is always necessary to continue doing more and better towards the development of the agricultural sector.
Regarding water supply, the Regional Government, through IROA - Regional Institute of Agrarian Planning and in collaboration with the University of the Azores, has conducted a series of specific studies on several islands to assess the needs of the sector. They are intended to support the agricultural department in defining the investments to be made in this area for the next 10 years, which will be financed under the next community framework.
The Regional Secretary pointed out that the Cessation of Agricultural Activity Scheme and the Legal Scheme on Family Agriculture have recently been approved by the Council of the Government. Additionally, the Young Farmer programme is expected to be approved soon.
"These are important tools of the Regional Government's political strategy, focused on the future, which aim to provide farmers with better conditions to continue developing their activity, their territories and improve their quality of life," said João Ponte.