THE surface intended for the artichoke in the Alicante region of Vega Baja de Alicante a grew up more than 50 percent in the last ten years. In addition, this year’s campaign begins with a total area of 2,300 hectares, 300 more than last year, which translates to an increase of 15%.
This was detailed by the president of the Vega Baja del Segura Artichoke Association, Antonio Angel Hurtadoduring the symbolic inauguration ceremony of the Campaign with the cutting of the first artichoke in Formentera del Segura (Alicante).
As indicated by the entity in a press release, the reason for this increase lies in the profitability of the harvest for the farmer and in the various promotional actions carried out by the brand. For Hurtado, the next challenge is “to increase the production per hectare.
In his speech at this event, the president of Alcachofa de la Vega Baja spoke of the work, dedication and efforts of peasant families “to advance crops.”
“Artichokes don’t appear by magic. The real trick is in the hands that make it possible. They are planting the artichokes while much of the country is enjoying its summer vacation, facing high temperatures and the uncertainty of water or possible problems for him climate change“, added Hurtado.
The president of the agricultural collective stressed that “in each campaign, farmers give everything to bear fruit and that the work is rarely seen and appreciated.” “We are proud of them. Through their work they keep alive a sign of identity for the Vega Baja del Segura,” he added.
A Michelin-starred chef and Sol Repsol
She participated as godmother in the symbolic cutting of the first artichoke of the season. Cristina Figueirachef of the restaurant El Xato de La Nucía (Alicante), Michelin-starred, Soleil Repsol and winner of the 2023 National Hospitality Prize.
Figueira said she was “proud” of this recognition and highlighted the “quality” of this product, which you need to know “to use it in season to get the most out of it”.
The mayor of Formentera del Segura also spoke at the event, Francisco Cano; the Director General of Industry and the Agri-Food Chain, Ernesto Fernándezand the vice-president of the Provincial Delegation of Alicante, Ana Sernawho highlighted the role of this product in the region, the jobs surrounding it and “the need to have quality water for crops”.
“The artichoke generates more than 5,000 positions of job direct and about 1,500 indirect, data that shows the weight of this product and that must be taken into account by public administrations”, said Serna, who once again called for water for the Alicante countryside.
The government and the PSOE, against water transport
In this sense, he recalled that “the last news» regarding the Tajo-Segura transfer “are not very positive” and he warned that if they come true (in reference to the Government central and PSOE) with “the actions they envisage would destroy the basis of the socio-economic structure of this territory, causing desertification and a great impact on the landscape”.
“All administrations are there to help and above the interests of parties, there are the interests of citizens,” said Serna, who made a statement call to all public officials, in particular those mayors“so that we continue together the fight for justification water that we so desperately need.
