FUTURENEWS PORK SECTOR X-RAY. WHERE ARE WE AT?
The successful figures that the Spanish pork sector has recorded are the result of a business model, a benchmark worldwide.
The pork sector has become one of the key sectors for the economy of Spain. Photo: Rotecna.
In recent years, pigs have become one of the key sectors for the economy of our country, positioning itself as the most relevant sector for Spanish livestock with more than 40% of the Final Livestock Production and around 16% of the Final Agricultural Production, only surpassed by fruits and vegetables. Its activity accounts for 1.4% of the national GDP and 14% of the Gross Industrial Domestic Product. To see what have been the factors that have contributed to achieving these figures, we have spoken with different professionals in our sector to offer a wider perspective of where we are and where we are going. The successful figures that the pork sector has registered in recent times are the result of a business model, a worldwide reference, based on important pillars such as innovation and professionalisation. This was stated by Miguel Ángel Higuera, director of the National Association of Pig Producers (ANPROGAPOR): “We are one of the sectors that have invested 14
the most in innovation and technology at all levels, which has spectacularly improved our sector. These pillars are making us increasingly competitive and efficient.” This competitiveness is what has allowed us to advance and open new markets abroad. According to Albert Vidal, director of Animal Production of the Vall Companys group, the pork sector exports more than 8,000 million euros, which places us as one of the main exporters at the European and worldwide level. “With a very positive trade balance, Spain consolidated itself as the second-largest pork exporter in the EU, only behind Germany, dramatically increasing exports to other countries, especially to China and other countries in Southeast Asia,” he explains, adding: “Achieving a position of international leadership has forced us not only to be efficient but also to be better in biosecurity, animal welfare, sustainability, circular economy, etc. All without ceasing to reflect, self-criticise and try to continue progressing”.
