Valencia’s companies have been internationalising for more than 60 years, exporting their produce and know-how. They have managed to do this in spite of what are, objectively, negative conditions, particularly with regard to transport, hence the Government’s firm commitment to the Mediterranean corridor. Therefore, Fruit Attraction is an incentive and an opportunity for our companies to internationalise, of which both they and the government of Valencia have taken advantage.
- What do you think Fruit Attraction contributes to the fruit and vegetable sector?
The growing affluence of the trade fair throughout these eight editions clearly shows that the sector is benefiting from a higher profile and that it facilitates domestic and international promotion. It is also projects a robust image of the sector as a whole, showcasing the rich diversity of the wide range of products on display. In short, it is this positive image which is inspiring confidence in the sector among buyers who visit the trade fair or follow it closely.
- What are the keys to the vigorous health of Valencia’s fruit and vegetable sector and which main challenges are facing producers in 2016?
I am sure that the health of Valencia’s fruit and vegetable sector is due to its solid foundations and its recognised export success, particularly its proven capacity to adapt to an increasingly globalised economy, not to mention a never-ending search for quality and innovation. However, I must also mention the professionals who work in this sector, who have been essential to the success of the industry, even more so when the Government has committed to support them. As minister, I can assure you that there is no doubt that they can rely on this from our government without a shadow of a doubt. What is needed now is for young people to be attracted by the sector and by a capacity for innovation which reveals its international presence and the great image it has enjoyed for years.
- Which do you think are the main changes currently facing the sector?
The industry needs to tackle the changes that have come with globalisation, which is visibly speeding up and intensifying and which sometimes causes unexpected changes. This means that essential production and marketing structures need to be strengthened, keeping a close eye on every link in the food production chain and achieving more streamlined, harmonious process. The sector needs to learn about the Internet of things, improve connectivity, e-commerce and process digitalisation, and take to advantage of opportunities in this framework. It is a stimulating challenge: mastering farming technology revolution as well as unavoidable tasks to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
- Could you give us an overview of the Integral Plan for Agricultural Cooperatives you are going to develop?
The idea is to facilitate progress in inter-cooperation. Cooperative production accounts for 40% of fresh produce in the Valencia region and cooperatives manage production from their more than 150,000 members. These enterprises are rooted in a territory and cannot relocate and they are often essential to the economic development of Valencia’s inland areas. Our project will be shared and carried out in collaboration with cooperatives, which will be established by sector and the intention is to further modernise the cooperative sector. It also deals with staff training, facilitating participation in modernisation of members’ farms and helping them to finance their own new inter-cooperative projects with a view to improving marketing and concentrating supply.
- Investments in innovation, research and stimulating Spanish exports are priority objectives. What is the Ministry doing about these aspects?
Since taking office, we have been focusing on research, technological development, innovation and transference with decisive tools to strengthen Valencia’s competitive, sustainable food sector, in line with the policy to change the Ministry’s production model. We are establishing strategic lines of research for the sector through the main instrument available to us, which is the Institut Valencià d'Investigacions Agràries (IVIA), having determined research and transference priorities with the other agents.
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