An evaluation of the Rural Development Programme of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (PRODERAM 2020), covering execution up to the end of 2018, has identified several weaknesses and results below expectations in structural objectives.
Key shortcomings include insufficient generational renewal, with low uptake from young farmers due to factors such as reduced interest in the activity, small farm sizes, and structural difficulties. The program also had a limited impact on job creation, contributing more to maintaining existing activity than to creating new jobs.
Furthermore, measures for innovation, training, and agricultural advisory services saw virtually no execution, with low demand for advisory services. Producer organization also proved weak, with no applications for grouping initiatives, limiting farmers' negotiation capacity and scale. Product valorization and adherence to quality schemes were also weak points, with the exception of support for organic farming.
