The Future of Agriculture: between Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency“ is the theme of an Economics Forum promoted by the Azores Regional Delegation of the Order of Economists, on August 19, at 6:15 p.m., in Angra do Heroísmo, in partnership with the bookstore and cultural center ”Lar Doce Livro.”

The initiative will feature three guests: Mónica Oliveira, from Bio Azórica – Organic Agricultural Products; Luis Espínola, from the Azores Coffee Producers Association; and Paulo Rocha, from Fruter – Terceira Island Fruit and Vegetable Growers Cooperative. They will present the views of the entities they represent on this topic, their current situation, and future prospects.

“It is a fact that resources are finite! The productive potential of the Azores must be seen as an asset, with all its potential, but also as a resource that needs extra care! Feeding the world requires long-term care for our land, it requires feeding, nourishing, and preserving our soil! If we continue to extract, absorb, and exploit the land in an unsustainable way, the soil will not meet our needs! A strategy is needed to prevent us from reaching that point!” – reflects the Order of Economists in a note sent to our newspaper.

“Our coffee has the potential to compete in the most demanding markets, given its production method, volcanic soils, and unique microclimates, which value regenerative agricultural practices, reduce dependence on imports, and create new opportunities for farmers and the local economy,” says the Order’s note as an example of the Azores’ potential.

According to the Order of Economists, “Azorean agriculture needs to combine tradition and innovation to be more sustainable and self-sufficient,” and “coffee is just one example of what we can achieve when we combine knowledge, cooperation, and a passion for producing quality products with respect for our land.”

This is the sixth edition of the Tertúlia de Economia, which has been bringing topics considered relevant to the development of the Azores to the public debate every month.

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.