DL: There is new support for agriculture, and the Azorean government will invest 78 million euros in the sector. Have the demands been met?
Yes, we have to note that the demands made by the Azores Agricultural Federation have been echoed by this regional government through its president. The announcements are based on our needs, consultation, and coordination with our social partners. There are a few demands that have not been accepted. This is a positive sign and, in addition to the credibility of our demands, as well as the importance that the sector has, taking into account our needs, the sector is seen by the regional government as vital for our economy, not only for the economic and financial part but also for economic and territorial cohesion, as well as environmental issues and all the involvement that agriculture has in boosting other sectors. 

DL: What expectations does the agricultural sector have for 2025?
From my perspective, it’s clear that 2025 could be better than 2024, but that’s all unknown. On the part of the regional government, very few agreements have been signed in terms of partnership and have not been fully complied with. For example, in recent storms, the regional government has still not paid 630,000 euros. There is a lack of financial availability, but I believe these situations will be resolved at the beginning of 2025 because the commitments have been fulfilled. On the other hand, the increase in the plan of around 10 million euros in 2025 could also help to strengthen some situations on the islands of São Miguel and Pico, as these are the two islands with the worst roads. It will also help to reinforce water supply and storage in the island of São Miguel, which has a lot of water available but very little storage. Other islands like Santa Maria and Graciosa have problems with water shortages. Beyond the government’s announcements and availability, the expectation is that farmers will be able to improve their income. There have been slight rises in the price of milk in 2024; consumers are already paying more, and if they are paying more, this must also be reflected in the producer; the margin must not just be left to distribution and industry; this division must be done in the best way so that everyone in the sector also feels balanced.

DL: What about production in the meat sector?
It’s been improving in price, although there are expectations regarding the European Union’s agreements with Mercosur, in which all sectors hope to gain. Meat continues to be a focus for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, but the problem is that we need better distribution. There are islands where their major agricultural production is based on meat and not on other products, and this transformation is already beginning to be seen, as there has been some conversion from milk to meat for various reasons. Firstly, because of the insecurity and disbelief of the producers, and secondly, because the industries can’t keep up with the milk price so that the farmers have enough margin to continue to survive. But for me, the biggest problem is the issue of labor.

DL: Is the lack of labor in agriculture still a problem?
Clearly, it’s a problem in the dairy sector and in other sectors, too, but in the dairy sector, there’s nothing worse than a lack of labor because you have to feed the cows and milk them every day. That’s probably why many people are leaving the sector, despite the good infrastructure and conditions. Also, not all the children want to continue the family farm.
DL: Under the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan, the premium for young farmers setting up for the first time will be 55,000 euros, covering all agricultural sectors. There will also be an incentive of 15,000 euros for young people who farm part-time. Was this a Federation proposal?
Yes, because the figure was 40,000, we suggested it and demanded it from the Regional Secretary for Agriculture, who agreed. We have to create incentives for young people, and then there’s the issue of social security and taxation. In other words, we must see how to reduce these taxes for young farmers. What’s more, more training, increments, and incentives should be needed. Competitions in themselves are already very important for attracting young men and women. And, in my opinion, even more important than that will be the issue of new technologies and precision agriculture. Young people will grasp this when they realize that they can do something different from their parents and make their mark through knowledge. That’s why there’s more and more training. And young people have other skills for new technologies that older people no longer have. This could be a new development in the next support framework, i.e., investing in robots, drones, farm mechanization, and soil monitoring. There’s a lot of work to be done.

DL: There are new elections for the Azores Agricultural Federation on January 10th. Are you running again?
Yes, I’m running for another term.
DL: Do you have any proposals?
No, just work, dedication, passion, and a love for what I do are always, always, and always for the benefit of farmers in the Azores.

In Diário da Lagoa, Clife Botelho-Director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.