Agriculture & Food

As one of the top food producing countries in the EU, Spain leads the production of many world-renowned high-quality food and beverages, including wine, spirits, olive oil, table olives, fresh pork, ham, seafood, cheese and spices. Tradition has always shaped Spanish products, thus guaranteeing quality; it also stems from centuries of Spanish production experience, expertise and responsibility for products.

In view of the growing awareness of climate change and environmental protection, the EU promotes the "farm to table" strategy, which aims to promote economic development, improve people's health and quality of life, and care for nature; and support farmers, livestock farmers, fish farmers and fishermen in Food sustainability across the entire value chain.

Sustainable Agriculture in Spain

Just look at the Spanish aquaculture industry to see the strong pace of sustainable development in the Spanish agri-food industry. The industry is in line with the EU's "Farm to Fork" strategy, as Spanish companies engaged in sea bass and caviar farming are showing that sustainability goes hand in hand with quality and safety standards to ensure the high quality and taste profile of gourmet products.

Spanish sea bass are known for their large size and firm texture, and some companies are developing new technologies to allow access to open areas with excellent water quality, and are experimenting with various feeds to ensure perfect farming conditions. Another example is a Spanish company that owns several fish farms in the valleys of the Pyrenees, where high-quality caviar is now produced in the cold, clean waters. Already a fish farm here has been awarded the EU's first European certification for organic aquaculture.

Agricultural Production Heritage and Sustainability

Traditional Spanish methods of food and drink production are inherently sustainable, but how can these precious and ancient ways be preserved in a rapidly changing modern world?

Spain is home to a number of GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) declared by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, including olive oil production, olive tree cultivation and agricultural irrigation systems. The sites are protected through agricultural and technological innovations and improved sustainability strategies.

The olive trees and landscapes of various regions of Spain are part of the local cultural and historical heritage. Conservation and development efforts include developing olive tourism, supporting and raising awareness among local communities, and using olive oil from ancient olive trees as a premium mark.

Some fruit, vegetable, crop and fish farms are still using complex gravity-dependent river irrigation systems designed in the 8th century. Thanks to the efforts of Spain and international organizations, these treasures of agricultural production have been preserved and brought into full play.

Spanish companies "walk the talk" on agricultural sustainability

Known for their quality and safety, Spain's iconic food and drinks are the benchmark for the rest of the world. At the same time, Spanish companies and organizations maintain their commitment to sustainable development and "walk the talk".

Many of Spain's conservative canned fish and seafood production companies are taking steps to improve waste management, with the goal of achieving zero waste within a few years. The initiative includes sorting and "value-adding" the hazardous waste generated by the factory, eliminating the way it ends up in landfills.

Tackling climate change is high on the agenda of the Spanish agri-food industry. The Spanish Trade Cooperation Agency supports fruit producers in some regions of Spain in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per ton of fruit produced through the use of environmentally friendly technologies and efficient production methods.

For the health of people, society and the global environment, Spain places sustainable food systems at the heart of its national growth strategy. Spanish companies, associations, trade cooperatives and other entities are firmly committed to following sustainability standards such as "Farm to Fork", through which consumers in China and around the world can enjoy a wide range of iconic, iconic products that meet these standards Spanish products.