“The Regional Budget, which was discussed today at the Legislative Assembly of the Region, includes several priorities for the defence of the agricultural sector in the Region.” The message was conveyed by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, Nuno Maciel, who was present in the parish of Jardim da Serra, which once again hosted the traditional Cherry Festival, one of the oldest in the Region last weekend.
“We are attentive to the concerns of farmers and fishermen, and we will do everything so that the sector can continue to grow and develop. The Government’s Budget includes several measures so that the income generated by the agriculture sector is increasing,” said Nuno Maciel, during the cherry procession.
Regarding cherry production, which seems to be similar to last year’s, the minister said that everything is being done to maintain and increase production. He also discussed that studies are being done on new cherry varieties that are more disease-resistant to the cold.
“We want cherry farmers to thrive. Climate change and pests have harmed cherry production, but farmers know that the Regional Directorate of Agriculture has been on the ground and studies and experiments are being carried out so that these constraints can be overcome. Some people support the locality and who, through volunteering, dynamize their locality. Through community funds, namely PEPAC, there is support for these entities to continue to promote our traditions.”
After announcing an increase in funds for this festivity, Nuno Maciel pointed out that cherry tree cultivation involves approximately 130 farmers, six organic, occupying an estimated area of about 10 hectares, with an expected production of 13 tons.
More than 95% of the cherry tree farms (and the same proportion for the area) are located in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, in Curral das Freiras, mainly in Jardim da Serra.
The Cherry Festival is organized by the local Casa do Povo with the support of the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries and PRODERAM.
Diverting his attention from cherries, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, took the opportunity to announce that work on the cable car, which will connect the parish of Jardim da Serra to Curral das Freiras, should begin this summer. This is a “private investment,” recalled Nuno Maciel, who believes that the cable car will bring a new dynamism to the municipality.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
