This week's section # we cultivatewith ... We have had a very pleasant time with Fernando Gómez, General Director of Proexport. We have talked about the field, what Fruit Attraction will bring us, research in agriculture and many other things. We cultivate with… Fernando Gómez. Do you want to know more about him? It will surprise you.
What is Proexport?
PROEXPORT is the acronym for the "Association of Producers-Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables in the Region of Murcia". It is, I understand well, the common house of the Spanish fruit and vegetable Southeast entrepreneurs. Note that companies compete fiercely daily in the markets, however they decide to cooperate intensively in this Association. Great, right? They do, obviously, to try to be more competitive, make better decisions, be more exemplary, more socially and environmentally responsible. Ours is a very open and dynamic partnership in which converge producers, exporters, and fruit and vegetable export consortia alhóndigas. Proexport is the sum of all offers specialized services and represents its interests and those of the whole agricultural sector on a regional, national and international levels. There are many jobs here, many investments, many problems that defend better together than by each war on their side.
Research in the field is ...
The alpha and omega of almost everything, really. Everything starts from it: a seed that will give a fruit with the desired texture, color and flavor, a more efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation technique, a technology that improves the freshness of the product to its destination, a packaging design that it will make the product more attractive to the consumer, etc ... Behind the great improvements that we see in agricultural production and marketing there is a notable effort in research and innovation that is often unknown to consumers, but that professionals in the sector value very much. I will tell you more, it is proven that the best research is that in which scientists and experts converge, with farmers and agricultural companies. It is "applied" research, not theoretical, it seeks practical results that can be transferred to the production process to obtain healthier and tastier fruits and vegetables in a natural way. Today a tomato, an orange or a melon have behind as much or more research than a mobile or a washing machine. And I'm not exaggerating.
New challenges for farmers ...
In this area of the southeast, the first and main challenge is to ensure water for irrigation. Murcia, Alicante and Almería must be able to face each campaign with security regarding the availability of water for their crops and that, in this very dry area, is only achieved by receiving a few flows from humid Spain. Sometimes you want to hide, but today there are 31.000 hm3 dammed in Spain, a stupid one, in the last 10 years the average has never dropped below 28.000 Hm3 and we let many more go to the sea ... Well, with barely 400 hm3 being transferred annually to the Segura basin, we could ensure the production of the best fruits and vegetables in Europe and the thousands and thousands of jobs that live from them. I say 400 Hm3, not 4000, hey… This in another country with our exceptional agronomic conditions, believe me it would be solved years ago. It is therefore our turn to continue to demand justice and solidarity from our leaders.
What can we expect from 2016 Fruit Attraction?
I expect a great festival of Spanish fruit and vegetable production. Murcia also will have a very significant presence in the 4 Pavilion and especially our partners producers occupy almost 1.500 m2 exposure. We will welcome customers and friends around the world who rely on us to provide them with fruits and vegetables. You know trust is very important in this business and for us is a core value. In fact, our motto is "producers who can be trusted." Relying on a job well done, our commitment to taste, innovation, quality and professional service during 12 months. I think it will be a very successful show for us and for the whole sector.
Melon reminds you of ...
In the summer on the beach, the family laughing around the table. Although now it is fortunate that we can taste it almost all year round. The truth is that it reminds me of that day on which every first of August, when I was little, my parents prepared our luggage to go to the beach for a few days. Among many packages, since we were a large family, my father always found a place to put a box of Piel de Sapo melons. Sometimes we carried it on the luggage rack, other times on the cow or underfoot, but it was never missing. Then you didn't have to ask what was for dessert at lunchtime ... how good they were and how refreshing! As much as those that I now have to take home for my children and that, to the joy of my wife and me, they devour in a jiffy with real pleasure.
