NEW’S | Regional Secretariat for Agriculture promotes courses for livestock handlers in maritime transport

The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, has been promoting courses for livestock handlers in maritime transport. The aim is to provide trainees with knowledge of technical aspects and regulations on animal welfare during the transport of livestock and horses on long-distance maritime transport. 

The training is intended for handlers who monitor the transport of livestock in long-distance maritime transport, namely on routes of more than eight hours. It has already taken place on the islands of São Miguel, with six trainees, Terceira, with ten trainees, and Pico, also with six trainees. 

Registrations are currently underway for the course to be held in Santa Maria, which will take place from February 26 to March 2, with 16 applicants so far.

According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, António Ventura, “This is pioneering training in the country, which demonstrates the importance that the Regional Government attaches to Animal Welfare.”

“Maritime transport is of paramount importance for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as it is the only economically viable way to transport animals between islands and outside the archipelago, namely to Madeira and Mainland Portugal,” emphasised the Regional Secretary.

“Every year, we export about 9,000 live animals, so the transport of these animals by sea is very important for the regional economy,” added António Ventura. 

The course for livestock handlers in maritime transport is organised in collaboration with the Agrarian Development Services of various islands and intends to increase the training and literacy of these workers in this area of intervention.

The 22-hour training is held in-person during working hours, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Registrations can be made by email to info.dsv@azores.gov.pt or by telephone 295 404 200.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU