The acting counselor of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, has toured the facilities of the cooperative Cabasc S.Coop. And. in Balanegra (Almería), where he has emphasized "the important support" that operational programs represent for "the modernization and improvement" of the competitiveness of the Andalusian horticultural sector.
Accompanied by the mayor of Balanegra, Nuria Rodríguez, Fernández-Pacheco has highlighted that this agricultural entity has received nearly 20 million euros in aid from community funds linked to its Operational Program in the last five years. These subsidies have enabled investments exceeding 33 million euros, aimed at modernizing facilities, incorporating new machinery, and advancing in sustainability and energy efficiency, as detailed by the Junta in a statement.
The acting head of Agriculture has stressed that "this aid is fundamental for cooperatives and agricultural companies to continue incorporating innovation, improving their export capacity, and maintaining the international leadership of Almerian agriculture."
Likewise, he has highlighted that Cabasc, integrated into the Unica Group, exemplifies "the strength of the Almerian cooperative model," recalling that it is the oldest agricultural cooperative in El Poniente, founded in 1964 and currently grouping 750 producer members.
Economic, social impact and main investments
Fernández-Pacheco has also emphasized the economic and social relevance of this cooperative, whose horticultural production exceeds 80 million kilos and which sustains more than 500 jobs on average, reaching 800 workers at peak times of the agricultural campaign.
Among the most notable actions promoted in recent years, the counselor has cited the expansion of facilities, the implementation of new packaging and cardboard lines, the installation of photovoltaic systems, and the acquisition of machinery for internal handling and transport.
The regional official has reiterated that "Andalusia needs to continue betting on a modern, competitive, and sustainable agri-food sector, capable of continuing to lead horticultural exports and generating employment and opportunities in our land."
To conclude, Fernández-Pacheco has expressed the Andalusian Government's recognition of the farmers, workers, and leaders of Cabasc "for continuing to make Almerian agriculture an international benchmark of quality, innovation, and productive capacity".