Nearly €42 million has been invested through the LEADER Program under PRORURAL+ (2014–2025), totaling €41,480,616 across 696 supported projects. In 2025, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food reinforced the LEADER Program with an additional €18.5 million, said António Ventura yesterday. “This level of execution demonstrates the strong uptake and effectiveness in implementing local development projects,” the official stated.

For the new programming period under PEPAC, an allocation of €14.4 million is planned for 2026–2028. The necessary legislation is currently being prepared, “ensuring the continuity of support for rural and community development through 2028.”

Ventura added that under PEPAC, the LEADER Program will award a €15,000 establishment grant to companies setting up in Azorean rural territories, regardless of their economic classification.

Concrete Examples

António Ventura and the President of the Board of Directors of GRATER visited the project “Próteas Arline Avelar”, supported through the LEADER Program. The visit took place in São Bartolomeu, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, and aimed to acknowledge the program’s contribution to innovation and its economic, social, and environmental reach in the Azores.

“The protea farm operated by promoter Arline Avelar is an example of agricultural diversification and the valorization of endogenous products, aligned with LEADER’s priorities for sustainable rural development,” Ventura said.

During the visit, the official highlighted “the relevance of the program for the future of Azorean rural communities,” noting that “LEADER has been a decisive tool in giving a voice to local territories and supporting those who want to invest and create opportunities on our islands.”

In the Azores, the LEADER Program is implemented through PRORURAL+, integrated into the Autonomous Region of the Azores’ rural development policy and co-financed by the FEADER. Its approach is based on Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), implemented by Local Action Groups (LAGs) that bring together municipalities, associations, businesses, and other local stakeholders.

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.