João Moura was accompanied by the president of the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission, José Apolinário, and the Vice President for Agriculture and Fisheries, Fernando Severino. This visit also reinforces the sector's contribution to the revitalisation of regional agriculture, particularly through its focus on international markets.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Viplant: Ministério da Agricultura e Mar;

Based in Paderne, in the municipality of Albufeira, Viplant Viveiros do Algarve, Lda. is dedicated to the production and sale of Mediterranean and subtropical ornamental plants. The company produces around 1.5 million plants per year in more than 100 varieties, with a large part exported to various European countries.

Located in Moncarapacho, in the municipality of Olhão, Viveiros Monterosa, Lda. has been producing ornamental plants since 1972. It currently has around 40 hectares for production and an annual capacity of about four million plants, mainly destined for the European market. The company employs about 200 workers and, since 2005, has also been producing olive oil.

This initiative provided an opportunity to discuss aspects related to production, exports and investments in the sector, emphasising the contribution of these companies to positioning agriculture as a strategic asset for the Algarve, due to its economic impact, job creation and promotion of regional production.