What is the current state of health of the strawberry sector in the municipality?

• After two campaigns marked by weather instability and especially by all the effects of the pandemic, in which we are still immersed, we can say that we have a very strong strawberry and red fruit sector. The professionalism of the farmers of Palermo and of the entire province of Huelva, the adaptability to adverse conditions, the way to face problems and the ability to overcome are the pillars on which the Palermo strawberry and red fruit sector is based. Farmers have not stopped working, supplying national and international markets despite the circumstances that have affected many aspects, such as transport, marketing, Brexit or even the workforce itself. You learn from everything and it is time to look to the future and keep fighting. To continue working with the trust and support of institutions such as the Palos de la Frontera City Council and my commitment as a National Deputy for Huelva.

How important is it for the economy and employment?

• Tourism and industry are a source of wealth for Palos de la Frontera, but the strawberry sector is vital. The cultivation of these fruits constitutes an important engine for the development of the economy of our town and of the entire province of Huelva. Its direct effects are a potential source of employment and wealth in the area and indirectly allow the creation of an auxiliary industry and an important network of services. The product of our land, the work of the companies and cooperatives, the employment they generate, the economic and social wealth, are backbones that anchor our people to the territory and provide a hopeful horizon for the future of our city.

How many producers and companies work today in the municipality?

• Currently the number of producers can be more than 400. The wide network of companies, many of them grouped in agricultural cooperatives, make this sector a source of employment and basic wealth for the growth of Palos de la Frontera. Fresón de Palos has been established in our municipality for more than 30 years and thanks to the work of the entire town it has become the world epicenter of berries. The way in which this sector has evolved and diversified from the strawberry, which was the origin, are proof of the identity of this sector. Whether they are entrepreneurs, producers or workers, their effort is common.

Is the area devoted to this crop growing?

• The area devoted to strawberries in the province of Huelva has remained more or less stable for a few years, and this also applies to Palos de la Frontera. There are small up and down oscillations depending on the season. This situation makes us indicate that the balance of supply and demand has been found, although we know that all this is very changeable. At the gates of the beginning of a new course, from the City Council of Palos de la Frontera we face it with enthusiasm and eager to demonstrate the quality of our product. And it is in the latter where I want to deepen, the quality of the strawberry. Something unique that only we can offer to the market. I am in continuous contact with the farmers and businessmen of the town and we are convinced that this campaign will be very positive in every way.

How does the City Council work for the strawberry sector?

• Agriculture is essential for Palos de la Frontera and the government team that I lead is very clear about it. We support entrepreneurs, we seek to promote sustainable agriculture, we listen to entrepreneurs, workers and consumers and we promote the modernization of farms. All this with a complete plan that involves all sectors and that has the total of municipal media. To achieve these objectives, a set of strategies has been designed that during these years have given magnificent results to the strawberry sector in Palos. At the end of each campaign, a new action plan is launched on the network of roads and streams in our municipal district. We ensure that everything is ready with the start of the plantation, avoiding problems for farmers and allowing them to focus on what is important, their fields. Our support does not stop there. We offer advice and promotion, either by attending this type of event or by creating fairs and celebrations such as the “Fiesta del Fresón”. The defense of the rural environment, its interests and agrarian rights are hallmarks of the Palos de la Frontera City Council.

Where do you think the future must pass to be competitive?

• The red fruit sector has been registering strong growth in recent years, with most of the Spanish production and export centered in Huelva. The keys to its future lie in innovation and the ability of agricultural entrepreneurs to excel. Introduce new varieties and cultivation techniques, improve the technologies applied to the field and above all the entrepreneurial initiative. In addition, farmers must not lose sight of the consumer. Society is increasingly concerned about the environment. An awareness that must push towards new forms of production that are more respectful and that guarantee the sustainability of the systems, the quality of production and food safety. I am convinced of the response capacity of the farmers of Palos de la Frontera to the challenges of the future. They are well prepared to face these challenges, allowing them to continue growing year after year in quality and market share and always with the support of their City Council.

What is the objective of the presence of Palos de la Frontera, both through its Consistory and the firms that represent it to the municipality at Fruit Attraction?

• Each edition of Fruit Attraction is an impressive showcase worldwide and Palos de la Frontera, the leader in red fruits in the province of Huelva, must be present. Our quality, innovation and effort must be shown to the world. As mayor of the municipality, it is a pride to see how the daily work of so many farmers in Palos can be made known and valued in the main world markets. We have an unbeatable product, with exceptional quality and thanks to the good management of the entire agricultural sector of Palermo, it enjoys great international prestige. I must be present at this fair, accompanying my neighboring farmers as on so many other occasions. We have to sell our work in the best way. Fruit Attraction is a great commercial and business platform, so I hope that this edition will be a success for Palos de la Frontera and that our products, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, continue to add prestige and recognition. This would be very positive for our city.