ASAJA Alicante Awards celebrate thirteen years honored by the association The works of farmers and farmers who do exemplary works for the development of the agricultural sector of the province. It is part of the existence and the philosophy of the five heroes that the courage, struggle and defense of the rights of those who are committed to this activity, which is so fundamental to the entire socio-economic fabric, are striving and despite the hardships. were recognized for their merits. Alicante Agriculture Night.
The evening began on Friday afternoon at the Torre de Reixes restaurant with the celebration of the 36th meeting of ASACA Alicante, where the status of different crops was reviewed, as well as the milestones and activities of the past financial year. and sectors, under the supervision of existing members. As a result, the organization has committed to continue with a tight water defense and to work to increase the incomes of workers in the sector.
The organization then replaced the 13th ASAJA Alicante Awards with a video summarizing the progress made last year. Undoubtedly, it is a challenging exercise that means a great effort for all its employees, in which ASAJA fights for their own business, to support the stabilization of the population in rural areas and above all to get water back. As they say from ASAJA “It belongs to us after the interruption of the Tajo-Segura Transfer”.
On this occasion, Alicantina Agricultural Night brought together more than 350 farmers and ranchers, political officials, representatives of business organizations and irrigation communities, as well as companies and associations associated with the production and agri-food industry.
The first winner of the night, Vicente Llodrá, represents the much needed spirit of sacrifice and improvement in agriculture. This young man from Cocentaina, living in Beniaia, lost almost all of the olive and cherry trees on his farm in the fire in La Vall d’Ebo that severely punished the Mount Alicante region. José Vicente Andreu, president of ASAJA Alicante, presented him with the Young Farmer Award.
Immediately afterwards, the Agro-Food Quality and Sustainability Award was presented to Cooperativa Agrícola Católica de Cocentaina, which placed Olis El Comtat oil at the pinnacle of liquid gold quality, within the framework of its innovation and respect for the environment project. and also promotes the defense of the traditional olive grove and its territory. Cooperative president Rafael Montava received the trophy from Agropelayo president Álvaro Nogués.
Later, the public was able to learn about an emotional story of resistance, family unity and generational change that deserves the Livestock Prize. Roger Llanes, regional secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, presented the award to Rosa Morató, her husband Álvaro Server, and her two sons, a beekeeper family who run the Meleca Honey and Natural Products farm. With this award, ASAJA Alicante wanted to highlight the importance of an industry that “is going through a critical period and has not received the support of Valencian Management”.
The fourth prize of the night went to Roque Bru, Camp d’Elx’s foremost farmer, with 75 hectares of fruit trees that perfectly represent the transition from traditional farming to agricultural entrepreneurship. The industry’s tireless defense of its rights and its commitment to water defense earned him the Professional Farmer Award, conferred on this occasion by Sebastián Cañadas, the provincial deputy for Economic Development and Productive Sectors.
Finally, the visibility of the rural world through social networks is key in a society dominated by urbanism and where the source of the quality food produced in this region is unknown. Finca La Maye is an exciting project by two sisters who are living reflections of innovation in the industry. Karol and Anikka received the Rural Woman Award from Isaura Navarro, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition, for this achievement.
The event concluded with the interventions of Andreu and speeches by Cañadas and Navarro, who demanded water and expressed the association’s commitment to increasing agricultural profitability.