This Rural Development Programme aims at the enhancement of agro-food products with the following priorities: improving the competitiveness of primary producers by their integration in the agro-food chain through quality schemes and agricultural products promotion in local markets and supply circuits. Increased regional production competitiveness will be possible only if it is supported by promoting the creation of systems and enhancement of agro-food productions. The differentiation of regional production can minimize the threat of increased external competition based on low cost strategies and enhance the opportunities identified in the SWOT analysis, in particular the tourism sector requirements. Improve the efficient use of water resources and the economic performance of all agricultural activities by facilitating the restructuring and modernization of agricultural exploitation. The Rural Development Programme aims at implementing the objectives, priorities and target areas as well as setting goals based on data from the SWOT analysis and needs assessment. These related measures are based on the evidence of the SWOT analysis as defined in the following priorities: Priority 1 (P1) aims at fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry and in rural areas. P2: Improving the competitiveness and viability of all types of agricultural activities in all regions, and promoting innovative agricultural technologies and sustainable management of forests. P3: Promote the organization of the food chain, including processing and marketing of agricultural products, animal welfare and risk management in agriculture. P4: Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependent on agriculture and forestry. P5: Promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low carbon economy and resilient to climate change in agriculture, food and forestry sectors. P6: Promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development of rural areas. Cross-cutting themes: Environment/Climate change: adaptation and mitigation. The forest plays an important protective role, particularly in terms of defense of the soil erosion and protection of the hydrological cycle. However, the forest areas, because of issues, such as climate change, are subject to situations that jeopardize their ecological stability, the incidence of pests and diseases and the spread of invasive species and the increased risk of fires. 4.2.15. deals with improvement and adaptation of the network infrastructure of forest areas. Priorities/targeted areas: 4A) Restoration, preservation and enhancement of biodiversity, including in Natura 2000 areas, and areas facing natural or other specific constraints, and agricultural systems of high natural value as well as the state of natural landscapes.
Îles Madère (Portugal) · 2014-01-01