The Association of Young Farmers of São Miguel (AJAM) held the “Excellent Producer Award 2024” ceremony at the Cattle Breeding Center in Arrifes, where almost four hundred producers of excellent milk and meat were honored over the past year. Yesterday, in addition to the award winners, the ceremony was attended by several political figures and representatives from the agricultural sector. It was to a full house that AJAM President Heitor Rodrigues highlighted “the pride” he has in the producers and the fact that this initiative has established itself over two decades “as a milestone in the recognition and appreciation of the commitment, dedication, and excellence of our producers, whose tireless work contributes not only to the strengthening of the sector but also to the sustainable development of our region.”.

For the association leader, the day was not only about recognizing “individual achievements, but also the spirit of innovation, resilience, and commitment that dignify the noble mission of producing with quality and responsibility.”

Each award presented, according to the speaker, “symbolizes recognition but is also an incentive to continue on the path of excellence, and may this celebration be a source of pride, inspiration, renewal, and commitment for all of us. Today, we also pay special tribute to meat producers, whose contribution has been fundamental to the enhancement of the sector and whose collective effort has enabled the Youth Association to achieve historic prices in the beef sector.”

Furthermore, “This ceremony reaffirms the importance of recognizing and praising the effort, dedication, and talent of those who, through their daily work, raise quality standards and strengthen the sector, contributing to the development of the region,” he said.

Heitor Rodrigues also challenged those present, as leaders, to visit the AJAM facilities, “which we look forward to so that we can discuss the new challenges posed by the measures imposed by the European Union regarding the use of veterinary medicines on farms, seeking together to identify effective solutions to overcome this situation and ensure veterinary medical care for our animals.”

AJAM contributes to the modernization of the agricultural sector

The Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral, on the occasion, and according to a note sent to the press, highlighted the importance of the primary sector and the quality of milk production.

On that occasion, the mayor emphasized the significance of the annual initiative carried out by AJAM, recognizing that it values the work of farmers and acknowledges their crucial contribution to the local and regional economy.

“The primary sector has enormous weight in Ponta Delgada, where the largest dairy basin in the Azores is located. It is the basis of our economy, a reflection of our identity, and a driving force for commerce, industry, and tourism. This sector should always be treated with the utmost respect and supported in a manner commensurate with its importance,” he said.

As such, the Mayor of Ponta Delgada also highlighted the municipal measures that have been implemented in direct support of farmers, from maintaining the water tariff applied since 2017 to agricultural holdings, to strengthening supply points and creating decentralized service stations of farm cooperatives in Arrifes and Capelas.

“We want to be close to our farmers, offering quick and effective responses to their needs. The measures we have been implementing reflect the fundamental principle of our political action: to serve the population of Ponta Delgada with fairness and proximity,” the mayor emphasized, quoted in the press release.

Pedro Nascimento Cabral also recalled the tax benefits created by the municipality, which allow for a reduction in the tax burden and the redirection of investments towards the modernization and increased profitability of farms.

Then, placing the emphasis of his speech on the importance of investing in innovation, the mayor praised the way in which AJAM’s management has also contributed to modernizing the sector.

“Everyone at this table represents a new generation; a generation with more training, with access to and use of other tools, who have mastered other technologies that are leading us to genetic improvement and the enhancement of our products,” he said.

Pedro Nascimento Cabral concluded his speech by urging the more than 200 producers and representatives of agricultural cooperatives present to “remain demanding” in defending more and better resources for the sector.

“It is the City Council and the Government that exist to serve entities and associations, not the other way around. Always keep this in mind as you move forward. Be demanding and do not hesitate to make any claims you may have for the sector. We will be, as we always have been, by your side, working for everything this sector demands and deserves,” he said.

Agricultural Federation calls for resolution of outstanding issues in agriculture.

The day before this initiative—a ceremony attended by Jorge Rita—the leader announced in a statement that the Azores Agricultural Federation had requested an urgent meeting with the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food to resolve important outstanding issues in various sectors of the region.

According to the leader of the Azores Agricultural Federation, the issues at stake are “the maintenance of agricultural roads, late payments of subsidies, delays in the implementation of the PEPAC – Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy, and analysis of the implementation of PRORURAL+,” which are topics that require a new approach.

Regarding agricultural roads, according to Jorge Rita, “there is an urgent need to maintain roads and shoulders, as well as to build new roads, to allow good access to farms and safe circulation, both for agricultural professionals and for the increasing number of drivers visiting the Azores.”

Regarding the payment of various subsidies in arrears, the press release states, “it appears that only 40% of the SAFRIAGRI amount has been paid, and even then, not all beneficiaries have been included. Support for corn and sorghum seeds and payment to all beneficiaries of support for the slaughter of cattle in 2021 are also in arrears, as a way of minimizing the losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

On the other hand, according to the document, the management of the Azores Agricultural Federation believes that Government Council Resolution No. 121/2025 needs to clarify the amounts required by the associations and argues that payments should be made as quickly as possible, taking into account the services provided to farmers.

Given the recurring lack of a payment schedule, Jorge Rita believes that “it is important that IFAP payment schedules are published in a timely manner and that there is also a useful schedule for payments that are the sole responsibility of the Azores Government.”

“Within the scope of PRORURAL+, the Azores Agricultural Federation believes that it is important and necessary to take stock of its implementation, the results of the measures, and their level of execution. On the other hand, the delay in the implementation of PEPAC is considered worrying, and greater pressure is demanded from the Azores Government to start the execution of this program,” the same document also states.

Nèlia Câmara is a journalist for Correio dos Açores, directed by Natalino Viveiros.

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.