Slaughter of cattle increases in four regional slaughterhouses in the first nine months of 2017
According to the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, the slaughter of cattle increased in four regional slaughterhouses in the first nine months of 2017, compared to the same period of 2016, despite a global drop of 7.3%.
According to data provided by the Government to meat industry partners, the number of slaughters increased in the slaughterhouses of Flores (28%), Corvo (22%), São Jorge (14.5%) and Faial (11%).
With regard to local consumption, there was a stagnation (-0.31%) between January and September this year, compared to the same period in 2016.
In terms of exports, there was a decrease of 12.8%, despite the growth recorded in slaughterhouses of Flores (194%), São Jorge (30%) and Faial (12%).
The Azores produce high-quality meat as a result of the efforts of agricultural entrepreneurs and public investments in support infrastructures for the sector, namely the construction of a new and modern regional slaughter network.
In order further promote regional meat, the Regional Government has recently authorised the integration of the Region into the Regional Strategy Centre for Azores Meat (CERCA), which also includes the Azores Agricultural Federation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores, as founding partners.
This private and non-profit association, which may have as partner any association and cooperative linked to the sector, will have the mission to promote regional meat, search for mechanisms to enhance its promotion, provide political advice, and analyse national and international markets. The association aims to ensure the development of this economically important and growing area in the archipelago.
The investments already made and underway in the regional slaughter network, along with support mechanisms under POSEI, have projected this sector to new levels of competitiveness by stimulating slaughters in the Region as well as the export of carcasses and packaged meat.