This derogation applies to the refurbishing, upgrading and expansion of existing capacity of the nine isles of the archipelago of the Azores (Portugal).

In view of the disastrous impact which the black tide caused by the wreck of the Prestige is having on the coast of Galicia, and bearing in mind the threat to the islands of the Azores, the Canaries and Madeira, will the Commission propose measures guaranteeing the application of safety rules in the waters surrounding these three archipelagos?

In view of the disastrous impact which the black tide caused by the wreck of the Prestige is having on the coast of Galicia, and bearing in mind the threat to the islands of the Azores, the Canaries and Madeira, will the Commission propose measures guaranteeing the application of safety rules in the waters surrounding these three archipelagos?

(19) Milk production and cattle farming are the mainstay of the agricultural economy of the Azores, and support for the sector should take account of the crucial importance of these activities in both social and economic terms, especially for small farmers. To ensure the survival of traditional activity in this sector, the suckler cow premium and the aid for dairy cows should continue to be supplemented, within the limit of the available local quota. A supplement to the slaughter premium should be introduced and aid granted for the disposal of surplus male bovines for which no normal outlets can be found in the islands and which must be shipp ...[+++]ed to the rest of the Community at considerable additional cost, given the particular geographical situation of the region. To ensure that Community support can be mobilised effectively, a comprehensive programme to support local activities in the livestock and milk products sectors should enable the sectors concerned to define and implement strategies tailored to the local context for economic development, spatial organisation of production and increasing the professionalism of producers.

Milk production and cattle farming are the mainstay of the agricultural economy of the Azores, and support for the sector must take account of the crucial importance of these activities in both social and economic terms, especially for small farmers. To ensure the survival of traditional activity in this sector, the suckler cow premium and the aid for dairy cows should continue to be supplemented, within the limit of the available local quota. A supplement to the slaughter premium should be introduced and aid granted for the disposal of surplus male bovines for which no normal outlets can be found in the islands and which must be shipp ...[+++]ed to the rest of the Community at considerable additional cost, given the particular geographical situation of the region. To ensure that Community support can be mobilised effectively, an annual financial allocation must enable the sectors concerned to define and implement strategies tailored to the local context for economic development, spatial organisation of production and increasing the professionalism of producers.

(20) Agricultural activity in the Azores is highly dependent on milk production. This dependence, combined with other handicaps linked to their outermost location and the absence of viable alternative production, is detrimental to their economic development.