Cheese is of “strategic importance to the identity, economy, and sustainable development of the archipelago,” the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food said Wednesday on the island of São Jorge, during celebrations marking World Cheese Day.

“Largely based on pasture-fed milk production, the cheese sector reflects the quality of the Azorean agricultural system and the Region’s commitment to sustainable practices, and it is recognized nationally and internationally for the excellence of its products,” said António Ventura.

The date underscores the need to support producers, cooperatives, and industry, positioning regional cheeses as engines of economic growth, territorial cohesion, and the international promotion of the Azores. “The Azorean government highlights the essential role of farmers and milk producers, whose daily work—combined with traditional know-how—ensures the authenticity and quality that distinguish Azorean cheese,” Ventura said.

According to the regional official, “industry and cooperatives are also recognized for their ability to transform high-quality milk into premium products, investing in innovation, certification, and food safety—factors that have enabled Azorean cheeses to reach new markets and strengthen the Region’s profile.”

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.