The delegate of the Junta of Andalusia in Jaén, Erik Domínguez, has highlighted the "economic boost" provided by the cooperative El Alcázar of Baeza (Jaén) in the commemoration of its 75th anniversary, emphasizing that it has become an "identity" for both the region of La Loma and for the entire province.
"Olibaeza is identity, both for La Loma and for Jaén," Domínguez said, also highlighting the "exemplary" role of agri-food cooperativism as a benchmark for adapting to changes. These words were spoken by him during the institutional event for the 75th anniversary of the cooperative El Alcázar, responsible for the Olibaeza brand, held at the headquarters of the Andalusian Government Delegation.
At the event, in which the mayor of Baeza, Pedro Cabrera, and the president of the cooperative, Águeda García, also took part, Domínguez stressed that the principles of cooperativism show that this model "is not only a way of managing, but that it is also a philosophy that puts people at the center," while he highlighted the sector’s ability to adjust to social and economic transformations "without losing our essence." He also recognized the organization’s track record in "taking risks in the search for new markets and products, always along the path of the permanent and sustained struggle for quality and excellence."
Originating in 1951, when it was created by a group of 47 partners, the cooperative El Alcázar today brings together more than 1,260 associated farmers, who work a surface area of more than 6,300 hectares with a total of 583,000 olive trees. The organization stands out for its modern facilities, equipped with advanced control and automation systems aimed at ensuring the highest quality of the oil.
During the event, at which the cooperative took the opportunity to present its first oils from the new campaign, the delegate especially wanted to highlight the role of Águeda García at the head of the entity. "Having a woman at the helm is not only breaking a glass ceiling, but it also makes visible the essential contribution of women to the economic and social fabric of our towns and cities," Domínguez said.