The Strategic Plan for Greenhouse Fruits and Vegetables in Andalusia Horizon 2030, approved by the Andalusian Government, has already exceeded 30% of its execution in just ten months. This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, who met with about twenty agricultural entrepreneurs in Níjar (Almería) to listen to their needs and advance together in the sector’s major challenges.
Fernández-Pacheco emphasized that this plan, presented in May 2024 in El Ejido, is a clear roadmap with a budget of 441 million euros and 43 specific measures aimed at helping the sector maintain Andalusia’s current leadership position at the national and European levels.
A historic commitment to agriculture
Following his meeting with many representatives of the agricultural sector in Almería, Fernández-Pacheco reiterated that agriculture is key to Andalusia. «We are fully committed to its present and future,» he said. This commitment is reflected in concrete measures, such as the historic investment of 325 million euros to ensure water for the fields. This includes the Parra Plan, endowed with 165 million euros to bring water where it is needed, regenerating water from wastewater treatment plants to irrigation communities.
Additionally, he highlighted the Andalusian Government’s effort to modernize the sector, with an investment of 175 million euros in subsidies for machinery and agricultural operations modernization to ensure no farmer or rancher is left behind.
Active listening and joint work
The minister emphasized the good and constant dialogue with the agricultural sector, stating that the demands of farmers and ranchers are also the concerns of the Andalusian Government. He affirmed that the government will continue working to consolidate and expand the community’s agri-food leadership.
The meeting addressed key issues such as water co-governance, subsidies for fruit and vegetable producer organizations totaling 77.3 million euros in 2024, and the challenges facing the sector, including uncertainties arising from tariffs.
Níjar Mayor José Francisco Garrido expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, highlighting the unity of the Níjar agricultural sector. He emphasized Níjar’s leadership as the European municipality with the highest percentage of ecological land and the unbeatable strength of the Níjar agriculture when everyone works together.
«If we stand united in defending the interests of Níjar, there is nothing we cannot achieve,» concluded the Níjar mayor.
The main representatives of Coexphal, Única, Agroponiente, Casi, Caparrós, Vicasol, Hortichuelas, Agro San Isidro, Níjar Green, Coprohnijar, Biolitoral, Campojoyma, Costas de Níjar, Megasa, Biosol Portocarrero, and Biosabor participated in the meeting.
