Azores’ Regional Secretary for Agriculture, António Ventura, underscored what he described as a “moment of strong growth” in the archipelago’s agricultural sector during a recent session of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores. Yet, opposition voices—particularly from the Socialist Party (PS)—warn that the reality on the ground tells a more complex and troubling story.

According to Ventura, the agro-food sector reached a production value of €445 million in 2025, marking the highest level in the past decade. Public investment has also increased, with the agricultural budget execution reaching €60.1 million, rising to €76 million when additional funds are included. The government further highlighted the installation of 86 young farmers in 2025, bringing the total since 2021 to 181—an indicator, it argues, of renewed generational vitality in the sector.

Environmental shifts are also part of this narrative of growth. Organic farming has expanded significantly, from 1,277 hectares in 2020 to approximately 6,000 hectares in 2025. Ventura assured that public support mechanisms remain stable, with applications being paid “without apportionment”—that is, without cuts. Additional support for agriculture in the Outermost Regions has been reinforced to €18 million, while subsidies for arable crops are set to increase to €700 per hectare. The government also maintains that payments to farmers are up to date, with €6 million already disbursed by March.

Echoing this optimistic assessment, PSD deputy Paulo Silveira described the current period as “one of the most positive in memory” for Azorean agriculture, accusing the PS of politicizing the sector.

However, the Socialist Party presents a sharply contrasting view. Deputy Patrícia Miranda argued that farmers are “working more, investing more, and taking greater risks, yet earning the same or less.” While acknowledging positive macro-level indicators, she insisted that these figures mask the growing difficulties faced by producers.

Among the challenges cited are rising production costs—particularly fertilizers and fuel—as well as ongoing labor shortages. Miranda also pointed to the exclusion of the Azores from certain national support measures, resulting in an estimated loss of €23 million. She criticized the implementation of the PEPAC (Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy), citing low execution rates, and highlighted the absence of effective measures for the dairy sector. Additional concerns included maritime transport issues affecting livestock and failures to fully implement support measures for young farmers.

From another opposition perspective, Chega deputy Francisco Lima questioned the lack of a long-term strategic vision for agriculture, particularly regarding the meat and dairy sectors in the context of rising costs and international agreements such as MERCOSUR. He also noted that the Portuguese Republic had not committed to including the Azores in extraordinary support measures for agricultural fuel. Still, Lima characterized the debate as constructive, calling for “positivity with results, not toxic positivity.”

Meanwhile, the Left Bloc (BE/Azores) advocated for a structural shift in agricultural policy, emphasizing food autonomy through diversification, expanded organic production, and better use of existing investments. The party argued for immediate cost reductions alongside deeper reforms, criticizing the increase in live animal exports and the decline in local slaughtering, despite investments in modernizing slaughterhouse infrastructure.

As the debate unfolds, Azorean agriculture appears to stand at a crossroads—buoyed by strong macroeconomic indicators, yet challenged by structural pressures that continue to shape the daily realities of those who work the land.

Adapted from a stry by journalist José Henrique Andrade in Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, 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.