Andalusia has been designated to assume the presidency of the Assembly of Horticultural Regions of Europe (AREFLH) for the period 2025-2028. This election, formalized at the entity's General Meeting held in Valencia, grants the Andalusian Government a central role in representing the interests of the European fruit and vegetable sector before the EU institutions.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, has been appointed president of the Assembly of Horticultural Regions of Europe, an organization that brings together 16 producing regions and 28 fruit and vegetable producer associations from across the continent. These include key territories such as Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Valencian Community, along with associations such as Coexphal, Proexport, and Afrucat.
"It's a great responsibility and a tremendous opportunity to continue defending the quality, sustainability, and excellence of our fruits and vegetables from Europe.", Fernández-Pacheco said after his appointment.
Assembly of Horticultural Regions of Europe: A strong voice in Brussels
La Assembly of Horticultural Regions of Europe, founded in 2000 by regions from Spain, France, and Italy, works to represent and defend the economic and social interests of the fruit and vegetable sector in the decisions made in Brussels. With its new presidency, Andalusia is positioning itself as a leading voice in the defense of modern, sustainable, and competitive agriculture..
The counselor has emphasized that the objective is clear: "Working from the regions to ensure the work of our farmers is recognized and a fair framework is guaranteed in the face of growing international competition."In this regard, Fernández-Pacheco stressed that the current context, marked by climate change, trade pressures and the Mercosur agreement, "It demands firmness and unity to protect a strategic sector for Europe.".
Equal conditions and food sovereignty
One of the main challenges that the Andalusian Government will take on from the presidency of the Assembly of Horticultural Regions of Europe will be the defense of the European food sovereignty, increasingly threatened by foreign policies that allow the entry of products from third countries without guarantees of reciprocity.
"We cannot allow the efforts of our farms to be undervalued, as they meet environmental and health requirements not required in other markets.", the new president of AREFLH has warned. Therefore, he will appeal to the European institutions. protection measures, border control and promotion of Community products.
He also noted that the agri-food sector must be considered strategic by the EU, especially at a time when food security is taking on a geopolitical dimension. “A level playing field is essential to keeping our countryside alive,” he insisted.
Strengthening the CAP and the role of the OPFH
Another of the priority axes during the Andalusian presidency will be the defense of a A solid Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) adapted to the real needs of the fruit and vegetable sectorFernández-Pacheco has insisted on the importance of maintaining an independent CAP, endowed with sufficient resources and which strengthens the role of the Organizations of Fruit and Vegetable Producers (OPFH).
These organizations, he explained, are key to enabling farmers to act collectively, defend their interests at the local level and implement operational plans that improve sustainability, competitiveness and innovation.
Water as a strategic pillar
At a time of growing water scarcity, the councillor has placed the water resilience as one of the most important challenges facing European agriculture. Since the presidency of the Assembly of Horticultural Regions of EuropeAndalusia will promote the inclusion of the fruit and vegetable sector in the new European water resilience strategy.
"We need a water policy that takes into account regional diversity and clearly focuses on efficiency, irrigation modernization, and reuse.", he stated. For Fernández-Pacheco, ensuring the water security It is essential to ensure the profitability of the sector and move towards a fair ecological transition.
Promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption
The presidency will also promote campaigns to encourage the consumption of European fruits and vegetables, especially those produced in regions such as Andalusia. Fernández-Pacheco has asserted his role in the Mediterranean diet and in healthy lifestyle habits.
"We will work to ensure that our fruits and vegetables are not only present in the markets, but also in the minds of consumers as a synonym for quality, freshness, and sustainability.", has indicated.
Andalusia sets the pace from Europe
With the presidency of the Assembly of Horticultural Regions of Europe, the Andalusian Government strengthens its role as a key interlocutor in the design of European agricultural policies. This position will not only defend the interests of Andalusian farmers, but also lead a common agenda among the producing regions of southern Europe.
"The work we do at AREFLH will set the pace in Brussels. Therefore, it's vital that regions and producers work together to defend the present and future of the best fruit and vegetable sector in the world.", Fernández-Pacheco concluded.
