Innovation, quality, commitment, professionalism, equality and generational change stand as top priorities for the leading agricultural organization in the province. Recently, ASAJA Alicante recognized the journey of five businesses and farms within the state for their ability to chart the direction the Alicante countryside should follow. The assembly of partners, which unites the entire industry and commits annually, was celebrated within the framework of the ASAJA Alicante Awards and the Alicante Agricultural Night, a gala attended by more than 350 growers and industry leaders.
The evening also marked the 35th Assembly of the organization.
The celebration began on time with the 35th Assembly, the first under José Vicente Andreu as president, held on Friday at 19:00 in the Halls of Juan XXIII in Alicante. The leader reflected on the first year in office, considering the many open fronts faced by the rural sector. Yet Andreu delivered an upbeat message, highlighting the potential of the province’s primary sector, its adaptability and market orientation.
Following the gathering of enthusiastic partners, the event opened the 12th ASAJA Alicante Awards with an emotional video featuring rural voices from Alicante as they discuss the daily work and the passion that drives them. Vanessa Miralles, the event host and a member of ASAJA’s Communications team, highlighted the merits of Héctor Hernández, winner of the Young Innovative Farmer award, who has taken the helm of a family gardening business spanning several generations. The award was presented to him by the president.
Ana Cañizares, a feed farmer from Dolores, received the Rural Woman award for exemplifying equality as both manager and worker on her farm. Shortly after, Fina Ferrando and her sons, Juan and Francisco, accepted the Ganadería Francisco Pérez award on behalf of Ganados Blanquet for successfully leading the farm-to-table cycle. The award was presented by a regional official.
The fourth prize of the night went to Thierry Callewaert, owner of an organic citrus farm in Algorfa, recognized as a model for innovation and water management. He accepted the award alongside a regional agricultural official who praised his leadership in sustainable farming practices.
The gala concluded with the Agrifood Quality and Innovation award going to Rafael Cañizares, an oenologist and director at Bodegas Volver de Pinoso. His project positioned PDO Vinos de Alicante in international markets and boosted the prestige of the local Monastrell grape while respecting the natural environment. The award was presented by the regional vice-president of ASAJA and the head of the DOP program.
The event closed with remarks from the assembly leaders, who emphasized the importance of water access and affordable prices for producers as essential drivers of a healthy rural economy.