The Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party participated in the 41st Ponta do Pargo Pear Festival, emphasizing the significance of this production for agriculture, the economy, and the identity of western Madeira.
Porfírio Santos, JPP municipal deputy in Calheta, pointed out the difficulties producers face in maintaining and restoring their orchards, citing high costs, access to irrigation water, fire damage, and commercialization challenges. "We cannot talk about valuing the pear without talking about the conditions of those who produce it," he stated.
The JPP advocates for public support to translate into concrete measures, including orchard restoration, incentives for new plantings, improved irrigation, and better commercialization mechanisms. Santos urged that farmers not be left alone and called for the Regional Government and Calheta Municipality to fulfill their investment commitments to Quinta Pedagógica dos Prazeres, crucial for product distribution.
