Ribeira Grande, Portugal, April 20, 2025 (Lusa) - The president of the government of the Azores has emphasised the importance of training young people in agriculture, saying that the course, which took place this week, transmits skills and "helps form identity and love for the land".

Organised by the Cooperativa União Agrícola, at the Parque de Leilões, in Santana, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, the 17th edition of the Course for Preparers and Handlers of Animals for Competitions, namely Holstein-Friesian cattle, aimed to encourage young people into farming.

According to the São Miguel Island Agricultural Association,  the training provides theoretical and practical knowledge on washing, shearing, feeding, and parading the animals, with a view to improving the cattle"s results and presentation.

At the end of the course, the head of the Azorean government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) said, "it's exciting" to see how the young people dedicate themselves "with passion to farming".

"This course gives them skills and helps them form an identity and love for the land," the regional government president said in a press release.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the fundamental role that the São Miguel Agricultural Association and the União Agrícola Cooperative have been playing in the regional economy and in "valorising" the primary sector.

"These institutions are true pillars of our agriculture. The work they do is decisive for the present, but above all for the future of our region," said José Manuel Bolieiro at the end of the course, which was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, and the president of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, Jorge Rita.

The course, which took place over three days, culminated with the presentation of prizes to the participants.

APE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa