Ecovalia has presented one more year, this time at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, its report Ecological production and consumptionin which it stands out that Spaniards consume more than 3,000 million euros in organic foods and crops reach more than 3 million hectares.
The data show, compared to those of the previous year, an upward trend both in production and in the consumption of organic products In Spain, which means that these foods and drinks are in a growing demand within a complicated economic environment.
The day has begun with the presentation of the report by Diego Granado, general secretary of Ecovalia, who stressed that «In Spain we can feel proud, because we are leaders in ecological production».
Leaders in Europe
In addition, he stressed that “in these more than 30 years of experienceevery step we take reflects a real transformation in the sector: we start with 4,000 hectares of Ecological production And today we exceed 3 million ».
Presentation of the Annual Production and Ecological Consumption Report.
Currently, ecological food production represents 13% of the useful agricultural areawhich places us as the country with the highest number of hectares in Europe, ahead of France, Italy and Germany. 75% of these farms are found in Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha and Catalonia, the predominant crops being nuts, olive groves and cereals.
Sector growth
«Despite the challenges of adapting to the effects of climate change, the ecological surface in Spain continues to growbecause the agroclimatic conditions are privileged and favor the development of the ecological system, ”said Álvaro Barrera, president of Ecovalia.
«That Spain leads Europe is more than a figure: It is the proof that we are prepared to assume a leading role in the transition Towards a more sustainable agri -food model. It is a commitment determined by the future of the Spanish countryside. We do not talk about a fashion, we talk about the productive base of tomorrow, ”said Barrera.
A strong foreign trade
While production activities are mainly in Andalusia y Murciathe coast of Levante (Murcia, Valencia and Catalonia) concentrates the transformation and marketing.
In this sense, it should be noted that foreign trade grew by 105% With respect to 2023, especially from Andalusia and the Valencian Community. Although Europe is the main market, the United States is consolidated as an important destination of oils and wines, while Asia, with China and Japan at the head, continues to grow as a destination for exports.
Ecological livestock
Ecological livestock, especially bovine, has also experienced significant growth in 2023, With an increase of 18%. In Spain, the management of livestock and native breeds are favorably adapt to the ecological production system and this is leading to farmers to bet on this production model.
Regarding consumption, Spaniards have consumed 10% more organic products than in 2023. Per capita expenditure increased to 66 euros per person, almost 3% more, although growth remains slow and insufficient.
Given these data, the sector is confident in working with the map for Provide it with an ecological production development planthat allows to reverse this situation within the framework of the National Food Strategy.
We consume little
«Spain continues in Ninth position in terms of consumption in Europedespite having the largest surface of ecological production among the 27 member countries, ”said Diego Granado, general secretary of Ecovalia.
“Almost Half of our neighboring countries already regulate minimum percentages of consumption of organic products in the restoration and public dining roomsbut we have not yet succeeded, and we have to work among all so that our country rises in that ranking, ”clarified.
Future of ecological food
After the presentation of the annual report, the round table has begun The future of ecological foods in today’s societywith the participation of José Miguel Herrero, general director of Food; David Cardé, president of Aobio; Álvaro Barrera, president of Ecovalia; and María Segura, head of the Environment and Food Security in the ANGED distribution.
The participants agreed that the price gap between organic and conventional products has been decreasing progressively. This is due, in large part, to the advance of technology and the improvement in the efficiency of distribution chains and food industrywhich has allowed to reduce costs and, therefore, bring the final prices of both types of products. Although there is still much to do.
Price reduction
They also agreed that this price reduction will facilitate the access of more consumers to organic products. In addition, if collaboration with public administrations is promoted, for example, through the mandatory inclusion of organic products in School dining rooms and public cateringsthe consumption of organic products in Spain will be even more driven.
Finally, José Miguel Herrero, general director of Food of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has closed the act indicating as “in recent years, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has invested more than more than 6 million euros in promotion Through your campaign Here we are ecological».
Promote marketing
«This initiative is part of the actions carried out by the Ministry to Promote the marketing and consumption of organic productsalso including their participation in fairs and other events where companies are supported so that they can be present and gain visibility, ”said Herrero.
The day ended with a tasting of Andalusian organic products, activity supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Junta de Andalucíawhich included, among other things, gazpacho chupitos, ecological cheese table, mushroom and leek quiché and Iberian cheeks in Teriyaki sauce, accompanied by wines and ecological juices.
