Corn is an important crop for the sustainability and competitiveness of the Azorean agricultural sector, according to a note issued by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food on the occasion of International Corn Day, which took place yesterday.
“In the Azores, forage corn plays a strategic role as the main source of silage – an essential food for the diet of cattle, especially in the dairy sector, which continues to be one of the pillars of the regional agricultural economy. Growing corn for silage is fundamental to guaranteeing the animals’ self-sufficiency in food, especially during periods when pasture is less available,” said António Ventura.
In the last four years, the area of corn for silage in the Autonomous Region of the Azores has increased by around 2,000 hectares, “a reflection of the right public policies and a strategic commitment to strengthening the productive capacity of farms”.
“This growth is the result of concrete measures, such as support for corn seed and the end of the cut in Community support, the apportionments, proposed by the Azores Agricultural Federation and implemented by the Regional Government. This is an investment that has borne fruit and will continue to merit our commitment,” according to the regional secretary.

SYMBOLIC VALUE
Even though the production of grain corn is less significant in today’s agriculture, “it still has a symbolic and historical value, associated with ancient subsistence systems and cultural traditions that still persist today in various parishes, namely through the preservation of traditional seeds and ethnographic appreciation,” said António Ventura.
In a note sent to DI, the secretary believes that on International Maize Day he should express “his commitment to Azorean farmers, promoting a modern, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, where maize – especially as fodder – continues to be a central element of food sovereignty and the productive identity of the Azores”.

In Diário Insular-José Lourenço, 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.