Organic Food Iberia, the new International Professional Organic Fair of the Iberian Peninsula, which will take place next June in Feria de Madrid (IFEMA), has seen a significant improvement in its support in Spain. The Region of Valencia, the Spanish region with the greatest potential for organic production in the country, will participate in Organic Food with its own stand and dozens of companies.
The Region of Valencia is already the second Spanish region with the greatest presence of industries and processing companies devoted to organic production. The data made available by the Ministry of Agriculture confirms that, at the end of 2017, almost 1,400 companies within this sector were based in the Region. Valencia has also consolidated as one of the main exporting powers in the organic sector. 17% of all Spanish organic production industries are based in Castellón, Valencia or Alicante, and the prospects for job and revenue creation are still positive.
In addition to these almost 1,400 specialized companies, 4.6% of the Spanish organic acreage is already located in this Region, which has recorded the greatest increase in the whole country. One in every ten hectares in the Region of Valencia is already organic. Therefore, a growing and sustainable productive structure is being created; one that is also export oriented. Producers talk openly about the need to exchange, share and gain experiences, products and technologies through professional fairs.
That is why the Region of Valencia is investing more technical and human resources in the promotion of organic production. "The Administration must set an example, promoting and helping so that the switch to organic is accepted and seen as what it is: an opportunity," says the Councilor of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development of the Region of Valencia, Elena Cebrián, who highlights the "great know-how and commitment" of the Region's productive structure and agroindustrial fabric.
Taking into account that the organic market has these quick growth forecasts, a wide range of opportunities are opening up. To respond to the challenge, Organic Food Iberia is presenting its first International Organic Production Fair in Valencia, to be held in June 2019 at Feria de Madrid. Valencia also confirmed its presence at Organic Food Iberia, with institutional participation and the presence of some of the most vibrant Spanish agro-business companies; leading brands which have consciously chosen to specialize in organic production.
Councilor Cebrián appreciates the impact of these professional fairs. "It is the best way to showcase all this work and this way of life. We speak not only of trade or employment, but of a whole series of experiences and knowledge that feed and multiply and whose impact is very positive."
Organic Food Iberia
Organic Food Iberia has been born as a direct result of the need for a high-level international fair in Spain and Portugal; one able to reflect the region's importance on the international stage when it comes to organic production. The fair, which will take place at the same time as Eco Living Iberia, in Feria de Madrid next June, will benefit from the international network of key Diversified Communications contacts and will bring together the best of Spain and Portugal under one roof. The two countries will be presented as Europe's largest organic agro-food and wine-growing regions.
Also, and in order to attract the most important buyers in Spain, Organic Food Iberia has launched the Hosted Buyers VIP program, which includes 500 hotel stays and free domestic flights. During the fair, there will be various activities, lectures and seminars. Both exhibitors and visitors will enjoy different areas of interest, such as the Organic Theater or the Innovation Zone, with regional and international pavilions. The Eco & Organic Iberia awards will also be presented.