The Spanish Association of Designations of Origin (Origen España) has highlighted the need to ensure the continuity of the agri-food sector in the face of a lack of generational replacement, and has proposed a set of actions that involve strengthening specialized training, enabling economic support aimed at young people, and simplifying the administrative burden as much as possible.
To address this situation, the organization has convened four young women linked to Protected Designations of Origin (DOP) and Protected Geographical Indications (IGP) in order to discuss the challenges currently facing rural areas. In this context, the president of Origen España, Ángel Pacheco, has stressed that it is "crucial" to make visible the reality of a sector that has modernized significantly in recent years, that adds value in the areas where it is located, and that offers an attractive life project away from large cities.
Among the participating voices was the vice-president of the Regulatory Council of the DOP Cabrales, Jéssica López, who denounced that life in the countryside is "very undervalued." López, who at 43 years old owns Quesería Maín, defended that outside of cities there are "great opportunities, totally different and equally rewarding."
"Making quality and recognized products is a great source of pride. We have to preserve the memory of our ancestors and bet on real food and products," she added.
A replacement that combines tradition and new tools
On the other hand, Teresa and Aina Tejedor, quality technician and R&D&I technician at the company El Zagal (IGP Sobrasada de Mallorca), have pointed out that taking over the generational replacement implies "uniting traditional knowledge with the new tools" acquired during their training. They have detailed that they are developing specific programs in sustainability, digitalization, traceability, and innovation with the aim of attracting and retaining young talent, and have insisted on the importance of communication to convey to the consumer the differential value and authenticity of the protected product.
Finally, the general director of Uvalma (DOP Table Grapes Bagged from Vinalopó), Estefanía Romero, has highlighted the role of the designations of origin as "key support against the insecurity of the sector". In her opinion, joining a DOP is a "very good option" for young farmers and ranchers, as it provides them with guidance on marketing and direct access to information on available subsidies for introducing improvements to their farms.