The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, has signed on behalf of the Andalusian Government and within the framework of Fruit Logística in Berlin a manifesto with the regions of Extremadura, Murcia, and Valencia in defense of what is the orchard of Europe.
During his statement to the media, Fernández-Pacheco has claimed that «in the largest global showcase for fruit and vegetables, we must say that we are the orchard of Europe by right, because the best vegetables in the world are produced in the south and southeast.»
Therefore, he has argued that «a water policy is needed that aligns with scientific facts and moves away from sectarian ideology that prevents productive sectors from continuing to grow and produce; that equality clauses are established to allow us to continue competing in the same way as the importing countries, and that the European Union cannot become the playground of the rest of the world while other territories continue to grow, innovate, and gain competitiveness.»
In this sense, the head of the department has stated that in addition to listening and advocating, the Andalusian Government and the other regions involved in the signing of this manifesto commit to making this the first meeting on a path that helps achieve the set goals.
Dialogue, advocacy, and assertiveness
«We have committed to meeting again in Madrid, to defend before the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, and to appeal to Brussels. We cannot find ourselves next year at the next edition of Fruit Logística 2026 talking about the same thing, so 2025 has to be the year of many meetings, dialogue, advocacy, and assertiveness with the demands of a sector that has led to the development of this area of our country and to which we all owe a lot and must continue to support,» the minister emphasized.
Finally, he acknowledged that «politics must be a lever for development and that for Andalusia, it is a pleasure to be part of this alliance to defend the primary sector of the region.»
The signing of the manifesto also involved the President of the Valencian Community, Carlos Mazón; the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of Valencia, Miguel Barrachina; the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of Murcia, Sara Rubira; the Director General of Agriculture and Livestock of Extremadura, José Manuel Benítez; the MEP Carmen Crespo; as well as some organizations and associations in the agricultural sector.