"Interfresa would like to clarify some things regarding the campaign carried out by Campact (the German platform) urging citizens to ask German supermarkets not to sell strawberries from Spain."
"In the face of some expressions of support for the initiative, we appeal to the authorities and public administrations to act prudently and in the public interest. We demand that any comments be based on rigorous information and technical knowledge.”
“This campaign is insidious and harmful to the entire strawberry and berry industry, and its workers. It shares false information and accuses the sector of serious misconduct and committing illegal actions. In this regard, we clarify that:
“The strawberry industry is not exploiting water from illegal sources in Doñana National Park, nor is it pumping huge amounts of water. The berries produced in Huelva have national and international recognition and are guaranteed by the most demanding international certifications and protocols. The industry incorporates the most advanced techniques that guarantee the efficient use and saving of water, which has allowed this industry in recent years to become a reference for other countries. Among other good social and environmental practices, the sector has implemented efficient irrigation systems, conventional cultivation has been converted to integrated production (77%) and organic production (20%) and hydroponics has been promoted."
"Huelva accounts for 98% of Spain's berry production and for 30% of the EU's berry production. This provides a major economic boost for farmers in the sector and for the entire region. Strawberry and berry production accounts for 11.35% of the province of Huelva's GDP and generates 100,000 direct jobs and 160,000 indirect ones.
“Finally, it's important to note that there are no crops in the Doñana National Park, not berry crops nor any other type of crops. The nearest farms to Doñana are 35 km away from the natural area and the vast majority of companies in the berries sector are 100 km away or more from the North Crown. Moreover, it's important to understand that not only berry fruits are cultivated in this area far from Doñana and that agriculture is a source of wealth for the region."
“The industry will engage in discussions with different distributors to clarify the lack of rigor of this campaign, as the information being shared is false.”
For more information:
Interfresa
www.interfresa.com