Interfresa, Andalusia's Strawberry and Berry Inter-branch Association, has asked the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food to support the formalization of the World Berry Day, celebrated on April 12. The association wants the Ministry's help to activate the pertinent efforts so that the FAO officially recognizes and authorizes this celebration.
"Berry cultivation has allowed Huelva to become the world's leading exporter of strawberries. By celebrating World Berry Day, we are highlighting the value of a sector of vital importance for Andalusia and Spain and of a quality product present in the main European markets," stated José Luis García-Palacios, president of Interfresa. "Moreover, berries have multiple health benefits and it's advisable to consume them daily," he added.
The berry sector has experienced great development in recent decades, becoming one of the most important in Europe in terms of production, turnover, and job creation. Huelva is the epicenter of this activity, accounting for 98% of Spain's and 30% of the EU's berry production. The berry sector has achieved this feat by implementing new cultivation techniques, technological innovations, and business initiatives. Strawberries aren't the only berries that Andalusia exports, as other berries rank among the region's 21 most exported products.
Interfresa also announced the development of two new projects to increase the quality of raspberries and blueberries. The first phase of both investigations will be launched once the Junta de Andalucía issues a final resolution approving them. Interfresa will carry out these projects with the Pedroches Valley Agri-Food Research and Quality Center (Centro de Investigación y Calidad Agroalimentaria del Valle de los Pedroches - CICAP).
One of the projects is ShelflifeRaspberry, which aims to improve the productive efficiency of the Andalusian raspberry crop by increasing the shelf life of conventional and organic raspberries through the application of alternative innovative methods, from the field to the consumer, guaranteeing the fruits maintain their nutritional values. It also seeks to improve energy consumption via more sustainable equipment and optimizing cooling processes. This would also reduce water consumption.
The other project, ValueBerry, aims to enhance Andalusian blueberry production using differentiated labeling highlighting the fruits' sustainable and healthy aspects to increase demand in the national and community markets.
The Scientific and Health Department of Interfresa, led by Dr. Escribano, seeks -with these two projects- to promote conscious consumption worldwide. Interfresa continues working hand in hand with producers and supporting initiatives to promote research, improve production, and reinforce the health benefits of berries.
For more information:
Interfresa
www.interfresa.com