ASAJA Alicante Awards mark thirteen years of recognizing the remarkable efforts by farmers who push the agricultural sector in the province forward. The awards celebrate those who show courage, fight for the rights of rural workers, and defend an activity that forms a crucial part of the region’s socio-economic fabric. The evening is a tribute to tenacity and commitment, and it shines a light on the people who keep farming voices strong in Alicante. The event is known for its Alicante Agricultural Night ambiance and its role in spotlighting excellence in farming.
The Friday gathering began at the Torre de Reixes restaurant with the 36th ASACA Alicante meeting, during which crop statuses, milestones from the past financial year, and sector-specific activities were reviewed under the careful oversight of current members. The discussions underscored a continued commitment to robust water defense and to pursuing higher income stability for workers throughout the sector. The gathering set a tone of accountability and forward planning, emphasizing practical steps that can lift farmers across the province.
Later in the program, the 13th ASAJA Alicante Awards ceremony rolled into a short film that summarized last year’s progress. The presentation highlighted the collective effort required from ASAJA staff to stabilize rural livelihoods and to secure the return of essential water resources. The message echoed a common refrain: water is essential, and its restoration remains a shared priority. The association underscored its stance that water resources should be safeguarded and accessible to the farming communities that rely on them for sustainable production.
On this occasion, Alicantina Agricultural Night convened more than 350 farmers and ranchers, along with political officials, representatives from business organizations, irrigation communities, and various companies tied to the production and agri-food sectors. The atmosphere reflected a strong sense of community and a shared mission to advance regional agriculture through collaboration and innovative practices.
The first award of the night recognized Vicente Llodrá for embodying the spirit of sacrifice and improvement in agriculture. This young farmer from Cocentaina, residing in Beniaia, endured the heartbreak of a major fire in La Vall d’Ebo that devastated many orchards in the Mount Alicante area. José Vicente Andreu, president of ASAJA Alicante, presented the Young Farmer Award to him in a moment that highlighted resilience in the face of hardship.
Immediately afterward, the Agro-Food Quality and Sustainability Award went to Cooperativa Agrícola Católica de Cocentaina for Olis El Comtat oil, celebrated as a pinnacle of liquid gold due to its quality and its environmental stewardship project. The cooperative board accepted the trophy from Agropelayo president Álvaro Nogués, recognizing ongoing innovation and commitment to traditional olive groves and their landscapes.
As the program continued, the audience learned about a heartfelt story of resistance, family unity, and generational change that earned the Livestock Prize. Roger Llanes, regional secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, presented the award to Rosa Morató, her husband Álvaro Server, and their two sons, a beekeeper family running Meleca Honey and Natural Products. The award stood as a beacon for an industry facing a challenging period and highlighted the importance of public support for rural businesses.
The fourth prize of the night honored Roque Bru, a leading Camp d’Elx farmer managing 75 hectares of fruit trees. His work illustrated the shift from traditional farming toward modern agricultural entrepreneurship. The award, the Professional Farmer Award, recognized the unwavering defense of farming rights and the commitment to water access. It was presented by Sebastián Cañadas, the provincial deputy for Economic Development and Productive Sectors, underscoring the region’s emphasis on practical, rights-based advocacy for farmers.
Finally, the event drew attention to how rural life can gain visibility through social networks in a society dominated by urban centers. Finca La Maye, a venture by two sisters who embody innovation in the sector, stood out as a vivid example. Karol and Anikka received the Rural Woman Award for their work, which highlighted how modern farming blends tradition with new approaches to production and community engagement. The award was presented by Isaura Navarro, who oversees Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency, and Ecological Transition, signaling a broad policy interest in sustainable, people-centered farming.
The evening closed with remarks from Andreu and speeches by Cañadas and Navarro, who emphasized the essential demand for better water access and expressed ASAJA Alicante’s commitment to boosting agricultural profitability and resilience for farmers across the province. The gathering reinforced the collective resolve to support rural livelihoods, empower farming families, and sustain the vitality of Alicante’s agricultural economy.
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