AZORES | Regional Government reinforces strategic commitment to generational renewal with €2.8 million in support for young farmers

The Regional Government opened today the application period supporting the establishment of young farmers, under Intervention E.7.1 – Support for the Establishment of Young Farmers, under the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC), with an overall budget of €2.8 million.

“This measure is part of a clear strategic choice by the Regional Government to enhance the agricultural sector as a structural pillar of the Azorean economy, promoting generational renewal, the establishment of young people in rural areas, the modernisation of farms, as well as the environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural activity,” stressed the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura.

The support is intended for young farmers starting up agricultural activities, either individually or as managing partners of agricultural companies, thus creating conditions for new farms to enter the sector. This will strengthen human capital and encourage the adoption of more innovative and efficient production practices.

Applications are open between today and July 3, organised into three periods:

• · January 7 to February 18
• · February 19 to April 27;
• · April 28 to July 3.

Each candidate may submit one application per period, using the electronic form available on the platform gestpdr.azores.gov.pt, ensuring a transparent and accessible process tailored to the needs of the sector.

The installation premium is set at €55,000 for young people establishing themselves as full-time farmers (ATP) and €15,000 for all other cases. 

Payment will be made in two phases: 80% after approval of the application and confirmation of installation, and the remaining 20% after verification of the implementation of the business plan, ensuring effective monitoring of the projects supported.

The assessment of applications will take into account criteria such as professional qualifications, the technical quality and sustainability of projects, job creation, contribution to agricultural associations and the impact on the rejuvenation of the sector. In the event of a tie, professional qualifications will be given priority, followed by the date of submission of the application.

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

The government official noted that “this call for applications published today is a compelling invitation to young people to produce agrifood products and was developed in collaboration with the Azores Agricultural Federation, which has greatly contributed to the creation of this support framework.”

This measure was announced by the President of the Regional Government, in partnership with the Azores Agricultural Federation, at the 11th São Miguel Holstein Friesian Breed Autumn Competition. 

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food emphasised that this support reflects a medium and long-term strategic vision for Azorean agriculture.

“The Regional 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. Generational renewal is crucial to ensuring the continuity of the sector, food security and the balanced development of the Region,” he said.

As part of the implementation of the PEPAC in the Azores, the Regional Government has been directing public support towards a more resilient, skilled and competitive agriculture, aligned with the challenges of climate transition, the enhancement of endogenous resources and territorial cohesion. Measures aimed at young farmers play a key role in this context, promoting the modernisation of the productive fabric, innovation, environmental sustainability, and the social and economic enhancement of the rural world. These measures reinforce the Regional Government’s commitment to a solid, inclusive, and future-oriented model of agricultural development.

For further information and clarification, interested parties may contact the Regional Directorate for Rural Development by telephone at 295404280.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU