Yesterday, the Regional Government opened applications for support for young farmers to set up in business, under the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC), with a total budget of €2.8 million.

According to the Azorean executive, the support is intended for young farmers starting agricultural activities, either individually or as managing partners of agricultural companies, creating conditions for “the entry of new agents into the sector, the strengthening of human capital, and the adoption of more innovative and efficient production practices.”

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, stressed that “this measure is part of a clear strategic option of the Regional Government to enhance the agricultural sector as a structural pillar of the Azorean economy, promoting generational renewal, the settlement of young people in rural areas, the modernization of farms, and the environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural activity.”

Applications will be accepted until July 3 and are organized into three periods: January 7 to February 18, February 19 to April 27, and April 28 to July 3. Each candidate may submit one application per period via the electronic form available at gestpdr.azores.gov.pt. The installation grant is set at €55,000 for young people who set up as Full-Time Farmers (ATP) and €15,000 for all other cases. Payment will be made in two stages: 80 percent upon approval of the application and confirmation of installation, and the remaining 20 percent upon proof of implementation of the business plan, to ensure effective monitoring of the supported projects.

The evaluation of applications will consider criteria such as candidates’ professional qualifications, the technical quality and sustainability of projects, job creation, contributions to agricultural associations, and the impact on rejuvenating the sector. In the event of a tie, professional qualifications will be prioritized, followed by the application submission date.

“We have the best support framework ever, with rates of up to 85 percent aid, an increase in the financial amount of the installation premium, and broader aid for young people who want to be part-time farmers,” said António Ventura.

The minister also stressed that the call for applications was developed in collaboration with the Azores Agricultural Federation and represents “a strong invitation to young people to produce agri-food products.”

This measure was announced by the president of the Regional Government, in partnership with the Azores Agricultural Federation, at the 11th Micaelense Holstein Frísia Autumn Competition.

“The Government is investing consistently in the new generation of farmers, creating conditions for young people to find a viable, innovative, and sustainable life project in agriculture,” said António Ventura, adding that “generational renewal is crucial to ensuring the continuity of the sector, food security, and the balanced development of the Region.”

As part of the implementation of PEPAC in the Azores, the Regional Government ensures that it has been directing public support towards “a more resilient, more qualified, and more competitive agriculture, in line with the challenges of climate transition, the enhancement of endogenous resources, and territorial cohesion.”

In Diário Insular-José Lourenço-director.

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