The Secretary General of ASAJA Murcia, Alfonso Gálvez Caravaca, believes that 2013 will be a year of opportunity and recovery for agriculture Murcia
The agricultural professional organization ASAJA Murcia has balanced in 2012 for the food industry Murcia as'' difficult, hard and “ critical, due to the economic crisis, but in a positive highlights the high level of quality of agricultural production and the high degree of internationalization of food companies in the region.
The Secretary General of ASAJA Murcia, Alfonso Gálvez Caravaca, said that the year now ending has been "extremely difficult" for fruit and vegetable products, as "face some preferential agreements between the EU and Morocco, which are very damaging for the whole industry, as well as a reform of the CAP, which could be extended for next year, and which provides for a 17 percent cut in aid sent from Europe as well as a significant reduction in the co rural development which may deteriorate and threaten agriculture in Murcia ".
The owner of ASAJA Murcia stressed that "has been a very critical year for farmers and ranchers, who in many cases have left their farms for lack of profitability, in fact our estimates suggest that more than 30% and it has as a result of the serious crisis we are enduring. "
Internationalization agrifood
The head of ASAJA Murcia has commented that "the year now we have been very rewarding and positive in regard to internationalization, with the opening of new markets such as Asia and the creation of a portal" Products From Murcia Spain "for to boost trade internationally, and has been created and supported by the regional government. "
Improvement Act Food Chain
Moreover, the Government approved in October the draft law to improve the food chain, legislation that was created to strengthen the bargaining power of farmers against abuses of dominant position of the other links, (especially large distribution chains).
According to Gálvez Caravaca, "This new law will help the growth and improvement of the income of producers, who are in a difficult situation after years of stagnation due to price shocks that have lived, especially in the productions of fruits and vegetables. "
Technical advice to Operations
Another chapter in which emphasis has been spokesman ASAJA Murcia has been the technical advice to farms.
"Our organization has a counseling agency since 2009 and we are very satisfied with it, allowing help to improve the leadership and management of farms and make them more profitable and competitive."
This initiative of the European Union, is – according Gálvez Caravaca – "a great initiative to further optimization and professionalisation of agrifood production structures".
Fruits and Vegetables
The balance ASAJA Murcia offering fruits and vegetables is very optimal'' and “ positive, especially for winter vegetables, summer fruit season and table grapes.
Gálvez Caravaca explains, "the more bittersweet note is the leading citrus experiencing some very difficult years with rock-bottom prices, due to a lack of structural organization and supply management."
In addition, the head of this organization has also commented that "the horticultural sector still great unfinished as the concentration of supply, reduce production costs, marketing and communication campaigns, improve R & D (Research and Development), etc. ".
Oil and Wine Industry
The balance for both sectors, from the point of view of ASAJA Murcia is'' right'', but are affected by the crisis, "consumption has remained and has not fallen as in other food products, which has made both the oil and the wine are overcoming the economic crisis, with productions with higher levels of profitability than others. "
Livestock sector'' negative''
Gálvez Caravaca emphasizes “ negative'' in livestock Murcia.
"The economic crisis has disproportionately hard both with cattle, sheep and goats, and pigs though, the sector continues to struggle, many farmers have abandoned their farms and profitability has fallen greatly. Since ASAJA Murcia, we believe it is essential to activate a plan to inject dynamism into the sector and make it more profitable. "
ASAJA Murcia positively highlighted incorporating REASS the general arrangements and aid for modernization of farms, two chapters “ fundamental'' for the sector to continue to grow and be very competitive.
"If our food industry grows bigger, society and our economy is stronger, and that's a great sign," said Gálvez Caravaca.
Flood victims of Lorca and Puerto Lumbreras
Gálvez Caravaca has not forgotten the fateful episode of flooding in Lorca and Puerto Lumbreras last September.
Gálvez Caravaca explains, "the commitment of regional and national government, and its quick and effective action, is a very good and shows their great support to the society and the agricultural sector as a whole."
"From ASAJA Murcia hope 2013 will be a year of great opportunity for the food industry to allow us to Murcia and exit the economic crisis we are experiencing," said Gálvez Caravaca in emphatic fashion.
Source: Agencias