Asaja Calls on Generalitat for 'Urgent Measures' to Address Wild Fauna Issue

Elche's agricultural sector convened once more at the iconic Nit del Camp d'Elx, held on Saturday, March 1, at Restaurante Nugolat. Organised by the Young Farmers Association (Asaja) Elche, this event marked its twentieth edition, drawing over 200 attendees, including farmers, livestock breeders, political representatives, irrigators, origin denominations, and other stakeholders in the primary sector. The evening was dedicated to sharing the progress and challenges currently shaping the agricultural and livestock industry.

"Drought suffocates us and kills our dreams, pests steal our efforts. And profitability, where is it?" Valero expressed emphatically during his speech. He also highlighted the urgent need to tackle the wild fauna issue, urging the Conselleria for immediate action, "We face a major battle with rabbits and wild boars that destroy everything in their path, including our crops." He also acknowledged his hope that the Town Hall will continue to support the primary sector of Camp d'Elx and "maintain its unwavering support, unconditionally."

In this regard, the president of the agricultural association of Elche highlighted the introduction of "rural ordinances" and the deposit of "agricultural plastics," applauding the opening of the municipality's first Agricultural Office, which has become a reality thanks to the joint efforts of Asaja Elche and the current municipal corporation. "We will be there so that any farmer or livestock breeder in this land can find a friendly hand, to listen to you, to fight for what you need. Our technicians will address your concerns and inform you of the current obligations. Always advocating for training, so that no one is left behind."

At this annual event, the agricultural organisation emphasised its concern and dismay over water management at a crucial time, especially with the feared closure of the Tajo-Segura Transfer for irrigation in 2027, which the Central Government intends to implement.

The president of Asaja Alicante, José Vicente Andreu, reminded that water is a resource that should be free from any political interest. He also lamented that the "Zero Discharge" project is stalled, as it "would provide total reuse of treated wastewater for urban and agricultural use, as well as prevent the discharge of treated and untreated wastewater into the sea," he stated.

Furthermore, he added: "All administrations, regardless of their political affiliation, must unite and ensure that this project moves forward, as its implementation would position the province as a pioneer in water reuse across Spain." He also highlighted its importance in alleviating the drought in this region and making sustainable use of its water resources.

Asaja also stressed that "Mediterranean agriculture requires special attention in the EU's agricultural policies concerning phytosanitary measures, agreements, imports, among other matters. These are issues that penalise us and have been affecting us for several years."

Last week, the association had the opportunity to meet the new European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, who initially seems willing to seek a balance between agriculture and the environment. He has a promising introduction; "now we must see the most important thing, the actions," assessed the president of the Alicante agricultural association during his speech at the event.

Among those present were: the mayor of Elche, Pablo Ruz; Provincial Deputy, Juan de Dios Navarro; the president of Riegos de Levante, Roque Bru; the president of Cambayas Cooperativa Valenciana, Daniel Soler; the president of the Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin Granada Mollar de Elche, Francisco Oliva; the president of the Association of Date Palm Growers, Carlos Galiana; the president of ADR (Associació per al Desenvolupament Rural del Camp d'Elx), Marga Guilló; representative of the Natural Agricultural Park dels Carrissals, Domingo García; and the president of ASAJA Women, Tere Antón, among other sector personalities.

This edition of the Nit del Camp d'Elx awarded its "Farmer of the Year 2024" accolade to Álvaro Boix Valero (54 years old), from the Elche hamlet of Asprillas. A second-generation farmer, who has been immersed in agricultural activities since childhood, observing and learning from his parents. Álvaro Boix, known locally as "cosechero," produces a wide variety of high-quality products: from artichokes, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, lettuces, escaroles, onions, spring garlic, cucumbers, beans, peppers, aubergines, and alficoces to oranges.

His crops are spread over approximately 15 hectares and 7,000 meters of greenhouse, all located in the aforementioned hamlet of Camp d'Elx, and his work focuses on direct sales and work in fields, attending market stalls in Elche, Santa Pola, and El Altet, towns with a high percentage of loyal customers to Álvaro.

A career of effort and great dedication, perseverance, and not being defeated by any adversity, which he shares with his wife Paqui, who is more involved in sales. Together they form a tandem dedicated to the harvest of fruits and vegetables that they market directly, without intermediaries, in the aforementioned localities.

Boix proudly claimed to have agriculture in his DNA and that he never wanted to pursue anything else. His way of working is based on promoting local agriculture and direct sales. "I am passionate about dealing with people, the one-on-one, because when I sell my produce, it's like giving a piece of myself." So much so, that this Elche producer has been able to adapt to demand, cultivating what customers request in the markets.

The key to his success has been building a profitable business model that allows him to control the entire food chain; from the start of any crop cycle to its harvest, including direct sales to the consumer. Undoubtedly, a well-deserved award that filled the honoree and his family with emotion at this special event for Elche's primary sector.