Ejidomar celebrated its fiftieth anniversary this Saturday with a large event that brought together more than seven hundred people, including members, employees, and institutional representatives in El Ejido. Half a century after its founding in 1975, the cooperative looked back on its role as a pioneer in exporting fruit and vegetables from Almeria to Europe.
© Ejidomar
The event paid tribute to the members who have continued the work started by the founders. Five decades ago, they chose to join forces to sell directly at destination, betting on international markets at a time when local auctions dominated the sector. With this in mind, Ejidomar presented several awards recognizing the contributions of those who have helped drive the cooperative's growth and consolidation.
Ejidomar was an early exporter of cucumbers to Europe. A group of twenty-five growers dared to look beyond national borders, traveled to the Netherlands, brought seeds back in their luggage, and started an adventure that now reaches its fiftieth year, said Jose Antonio Baños, president of Ejidomar. Companies such as Domar, Ejidoverde, Agrosur, and Nature Choice emerged from Ejidomar with varying fortunes. Ejidomar continued its direction and now celebrates its fiftieth anniversary.
© Ejidomar
Among the major milestones in its development, Baños pointed to the early production of Almeria cucumber, California pepper, Sweet Bite, and Chinese cabbage. He also highlighted the introduction of integrated production systems in greenhouses and the 2005 move to the current facility on the Almerimar road, which was designed to meet demanding quality standards.
Today, it is impossible to imagine agriculture without sustainability, Baños said. The cooperative continues to rely on beneficial insects to reduce the use of plant protection products, in line with customer expectations and European policy.
© Ejidomar
He also noted the challenges ahead, including the presence of Parvispinus thrips, which is causing serious damage in the fields. Looking ahead, the board is working on new cucumber and watermelon lines and on modernizing the warehouse with new graders for watermelon, zucchini, eggplant, and cucumber.
© Ejidomar
With fifty years behind it, Ejidomar faces the future with the same determination that drove its creation: unity among growers and a commitment to innovation. The cooperative continues to work on improving its services, modernizing its facilities, and expanding its product lines. The goal remains clear. It aims to ensure member profitability and respond to the sector's challenges. Our task is to keep working as we do now and deliver the best possible results for our growers, which is the most important element for any cooperative, Baños concluded.
For more information:
Ejidomar
www.ejidomar.es
