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Avianza warns of recent food alerts from the European Commission and questions Mercosur's food security

Madrid, February 18, 2025. In recent weeks, the European Commission's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF Window) has issued several alert notifications linked to poultry products from Brazil, which has revived concerns about food safety in Mercosur countries. These alerts include the detection of pesticide residues and chlorinated chemicals, which are not permitted in the European Union, as well as the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella in meat products. For this reason, their entry has been refused, but it is impossible to verify the 100% of shipments from Brazil. 

From Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, we underline the importance of strengthening controls on imports from Mercosur countries, especially at a time when trade agreements are being sought that could increase the entry of these products into the European market. The growing list of alerts issued by the RASFF exposes the vulnerabilities of the food safety system of these countries and raises serious doubts about the quality and compliance with the health standards required in the EU.

Furthermore, the recent European Commission report, “Final of audit carried out in Brazil from 15 April to 3 May 2024 in order to evaluate the animal health controls in place, in particular on avian influenza in relation to the export of poultry, eggs and their products to the European Union”, calls into question the capacity of the Brazilian authorities to diagnose outbreaks of avian influenza early. The document warns that, although the system offers certain guarantees on compliance with import requirements, surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) may not be sufficient to detect the disease in time, which increases uncertainties regarding the control of exported products.

In this regard, Avianza reiterates its concern about the impact that the Mercosur agreement would have on the European poultry sector. According to the Rabobank report, "EU-Mercosur agreement: Implications for food and agribusiness", this agreement would allow the entry of 180,000 additional tons of poultry meat from Mercosur, which represents an increase of 581 TP3T with respect to current imports from this region and 201 TP3T with respect to total poultry imports in the EU. This increase, together with the deficiencies in Brazilian health controls, could put European food safety at risk, compared to the strict controls that European producers comply with, as reflected in the recent declaration of Spain as free of avian flu by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Faced with this situation, Avianza urges European authorities to assess the impact of these products on consumer health and to prioritise local production of poultry meat, which is subject to strict quality controls and certifications. It is essential to defend the European poultry industry, which guarantees complete traceability and complies with the most rigorous animal welfare and food safety regulations, offering consumers safe, top-quality products.

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AVIANZA once again brings “Poultry from Spain” to Gulfood Dubai, the largest agri-food fair in the Middle East

  • The prestigious international food and beverage fair has started today and will run until Friday, February 21 at the Dubai World Trade Center
  • The poultry interprofessional has a presence in the ICEX space, where the Poultry of Spain has an area of 48m2, where six important poultry companies show their products and production processes to visitors.
  • With this action, Avianza is able to demonstrate the quality, capacity for innovation, as well as the commitment to animal welfare, sustainability and food safety of the Spanish poultry sector. 

Dubai, February 17, 2025.- The 2025 edition of Gulfood Dubai has kicked off this morning at the Dubai World Trade Center, consolidating its position as the largest agri-food event in the Middle East. AVIANZA, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, is once again present at this international forum with a large space within the ICEX Spain, Export and Investment pavilion, called “Poultry from Spain”. Within the area dedicated to the Spanish poultry sector, six large poultry companies, such as Coren, Iberdigest, Oblanca, Subirats, Urgasa and Vall Companys, have their own space to showcase their products and production processes to visitors. 

The presence at Gulfood Dubai is part of Avianza's internationalisation strategy and its agreement with ICEX, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, so this will be a key week to promote the competitive advantages of the Spanish poultry industry to distributors, restaurateurs and consumers, internationally recognised for its quality, innovation and high standards in animal welfare, sustainability and food safety. In this regard, the Avianza team, headed by Jordi Montfort, general secretary, and Marta Lafarque, head of internationalisation, will be receiving representatives of companies and associations interested in establishing alliances with the Spanish poultry sector in the interprofessional space. 

“Participation in such renowned fairs as Gulfood is key to positioning Spanish poultry products in a region of great importance for our international expansion, such as the Middle East. This event represents an indisputable platform to present and exalt the excellence of our production” says Jordi Montfort.

Representatives of Avianza, the six poultry companies and OFECOME at the Poultry from Spain space at Gulfood Dubai.

“Poultry from Spain” space within the ICEX stand.

Meetings at the Avianza area in Gulfood Dubai.

Members of OFECOME, representatives of Coren, Iberdigest, Oblanca, Subirats, Urgasa and Vall Companys and the Avianza team in the space dedicated to poultry meat.

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The FEMP approves the creation of the Network of Local Meat-Producing Entities

It arises from the agreement with the meat interprofessionals

  • Its objective is to defend, promote and give visibility to the livestock-meat activity and to claim its contribution to the rural world and the maintenance of its economic fabric.
  • The president of the Provincial Council of Ávila and of the FEMP Agriculture Commission, Carlos García, has been chosen to preside over the Network


January 23, 2025The Governing Board of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) has approved the creation of the Network of Local Meat-Producing Entities, with the aim of defending, promoting and giving visibility to the relevance of the meat-producing activity and claiming its contribution to the rural world and the maintenance of its economic fabric, highlighting its role as a key element for population fixation and territorial cohesion.


The president of the Agriculture, Livestock, Forest Management and Rural Economy Commission of the FEMP and the Provincial Council of Ávila, Carlos García, has been elected to preside over the Livestock-Meat Network.


The Livestock-Meat Forum, which brings together the six interprofessional organisations in the sector (ASICI, AVIANZA, INTERCUN, INTERPOVIC, INTERPORC and ROVACUNO) has highlighted the importance of this new action in the rural area, arising from the agreement signed with the FEMP with the intention of being the basis for communication and collaboration between the private and public sectors at municipal level.


With the creation of this new network, the aim is to transfer good practices, develop awareness-raising activities and advise municipalities on all aspects related to livestock and industrial activity carried out in their territorial area, as well as launch activities to promote the sector.

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THE SPANISH MEAT AND POULTRY SECTOR REJECTS THE EU-MERCOSUR AGREEMENT DUE TO ITS CONSEQUENCES FOR FOOD SECURITY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SECTOR

● It poses a direct and immediate threat to the sustainability of the poultry sector, putting thousands of jobs at risk by allowing imports that do not meet strict European quality and sustainability standards.
● They represent unfair competition with tangible environmental risks, since regulatory and production cost differences favour unsustainable practices, compromising food safety and the climate objectives of the European Union.


Madrid, December 9, 2024.- AVIANZA, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, joins the widespread rejection of the European poultry meat sector, and of agriculture and livestock in general, against the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, due to the serious implications that this has for food safety, compliance with production standards, environmental sustainability and the future of the European agricultural and livestock sector.


The agreement, which allows for increased imports of poultry meat and other agricultural products from Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay), represents a significant risk to the quality and sustainability standards that distinguish European production. According to the latest reports from the EU Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), Brazil faces serious difficulties in ensuring compliance with European health standards, raising concerns about the safety of imports.


A devastating impact on local production


The agreement provides for an additional import quota of 180,000 tonnes of poultry meat from Mercosur (in addition to the 300,000 already authorised), which is equivalent to the combined production of countries such as Finland, Sweden and Denmark. These imports not only affect local producers, but also generate unfair competition by allowing the entry of products that do not comply with the strict animal welfare, food safety and environmental sustainability regulations in force in the EU.


Currently, 25% of chicken breast meat consumed in the EU comes from third countries such as Brazil, Thailand and Ukraine, which do not operate under the same standards. This situation will worsen with the entry into force of the agreement, weakening local production and putting thousands of jobs at risk in the Spanish poultry sector.


Spanish poultry producers face significantly higher production costs due to compliance with strict animal welfare, food safety and sustainability regulations. It is estimated that these standards can account for between 6%-8% of the selling price of poultry meat in Spain (and that, without the approval of new animal welfare regulations and non-deforested origin of soybeans). In contrast, Brazilian producers operate under less demanding regulations, which allows them to offer lower prices and creates unfair competition that threatens the viability of the Spanish poultry sector.


Risks to environmental sustainability and biodiversity


The agreement contradicts Europe's commitments to climate action and biodiversity protection. Mercosur countries, especially Brazil, have been repeatedly singled out for unsustainable practices such as massive deforestation and the use of substances banned in the EU, such as atrazine in agricultural crops, as well as the use of antibiotics or hormones. These regulatory differences not only compromise global efforts to combat climate change, but also undermine the sustainability goals set out in the European Green Deal.


Lack of reciprocity and transparency for consumers


Despite promises of origin labelling, current regulations do not require identification of the origin of meat used in processed products, such as ready meals or food in catering chains. This leaves European consumers exposed to products that do not meet the standards they expect, without the possibility of making informed choices.


AVIANZA insists on the need to implement mandatory labelling for all meat and poultry products, as well as to ensure reciprocity in production standards between the EU and exporting countries.


A call to action


From AVIANZA, and in line with the position of other European associations such as AVEC, CEPM and COPA-COGECA, we urge the political leaders of the European Union to reject the agreement in its current form. Allowing the entry of agricultural products that do not meet European standards would be a strategic error that would undermine food safety, consumer welfare and the sustainability of our agricultural sector.


The future of European agriculture and livestock farming depends on a trade policy that protects our producers, promotes sustainability and defends European values.

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The Government and Avianza strengthen the poultry meat trade in Saudi Arabia

He Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat (Avianza) participate in a trade mission in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, of the November 12-14. This initiative is part of the promotion strategy Food from Spain and the Interprofessionall avícola, which joins forces for the internationalization of the Spanish agri-food sector.

The mission responds to the growing interest in Spanish poultry products in the Saudi market and includes the participation of representatives of Avianza, who accompany the companies Coren, Oblanca, Urgasa and Vall Companys, all of them associated with the interprofessional and selected through an internal call.

Over the three days, the mission followed an agenda of meetings and field visits focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration with local importers and distributors.

Among the most notable activities, the following have been carried out: bilateral meetings between Spanish companies and key players in the Saudi market, with the aim of exploring possible import and distribution agreements for Spanish poultry meat. Visits have also been scheduled to supermarkets and large stores in Riyadh to gain first-hand knowledge of the local business environment and consumer habits.

These actions will allow participating companies to better understand the needs of the Saudi consumer and explore opportunities to adapt their products to the demands of this market.

Saudi Arabia has become a strategic market for Spanish poultry meat, driven by the growing demand for high-quality food. Studies by Avianza They confirm that the interest of Saudi consumers in Spanish poultry products has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the potential for expansion of the sector in this country.

This trade mission in Riyadh is part of the agreement between the Ministry and Avianza for the period 2024-2025, whose objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of the Spanish agri-food sector at an international level.

Read more. Source: https://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-gobierno-avianza-viajan-riad-reforzar-comercio-carne-avicola-arabia-saudi-20241113101534.html

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THE #CADACOSAPORSUNOME INITIATIVE MEETS WITH THE SECRETARY GENERAL FOR CONSUMPTION AND GAMING TO PROPOSE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE THE PROTECTION OF SPANISH CONSUMERS

The progress made since the initiative was launched in February 2024 was presented, which has allowed the first inspection actions and favourable court rulings.
Special mention was made of the need to defend the Mediterranean diet in the face of the “plant-based” trend, as reflected in the recent report on the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture and Food in the EU.
Four lines of collaboration were proposed, with the launching of training and information campaigns for citizens with the support of AESAN being of great importance.

The joint initiative #CadaCosaPorSuNombre in defense of truthful information for consumers led by ANFACO-CECOPESCA (Maritime-Industry Complex Organization1), ANICE (National Association of Meat Industries of Spain), AVIANZA (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat) and CEDECARNE (Spanish Confederation of Meat Retailers), and which represents more than 150,000 workers, met this week in Madrid with the new general secretary of Consumption and Gaming, Andrés Barragán, with the aim of presenting the path followed throughout 2024 and establishing new courses of action for the coming months. Ana Lopez-Santacruz, director of the National Food Center, belonging to AESAN, was also present during the meeting. The #CadaCosaPorSuNombre campaign, launched last February, seeks to raise public awareness and the Administration about the importance of correct labelling and advertising in the face of misinformation and confusion created by vegan products that imitate foods of animal origin.


During the meeting, the progress made to date was presented, citing: the latest reports made after a sampling of vegan products carried out in
supermarkets in Spain and which have resulted in favorable legal actions, for example, with the contentious-administrative procedure brought by the Institute
Galician Consumer and Competition Commission against the product “Filetes MerlVza” by HEÜRA; or the legal-technical analysis carried out and delivered to different Autonomous Communities, which seeks to facilitate the establishment of inspection criteria based on Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 on consumer information or others such as the Directive on misleading and comparative advertising (2006/114 / EC). Additionally, the directive that aims to end Greenwashing in the EU (2024/825) was analyzed, highlighting that said Directive “prohibits the use of generic environmental claims without a clear explanation”, and that vegan products would be in breach of compliance by using messages in their campaigns such as: “A meat burger pollutes more than your car” or “helps save the oceans”.


During the meeting, special mention was made of the risks derived from such confusion for consumers in relation to food safety. The tragic event that occurred in Australia in 2020 was recalled, when a six-year-old child died after mistaking the container of body milk for cow's milk. The case of Belgium in 2017 was also mentioned, where parents confused the suitability of giving their child cow's milk versus a vegetable drink. In the case of fish protein, the problem of vegan products that imitate canned tuna was exposed, but whose conservation must be refrigerated, with the consequent danger.


Promoting the Mediterranean diet in Europe instead of the “plant-based” diet


There was room to debate the recent European report on the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture and Food, presented last week by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, together with the person responsible for the report, Professor Peter Strohschneider.


The report includes in its recommendation 2.1 the increase in the consumption of “plant-based” foods in Europe, in light of which the report suggests that this transition should be accompanied by the consumer and proposes compensation for livestock farmers who might be affected by this trend. In other words, the report supports the “plant-based” diet.


From the #CadaCosaPorSuNombre initiative, it was requested that Spain stop the concept of a “plant-based” diet, returning to the studied patterns and endorsed benefits.
scientifically from the Mediterranean diet. It is absolutely false that these “plant-based” diets are better than the Mediterranean diet. From a nutritional point of view, they lack the benefits of animal products, which offer a unique digestive matrix, rich in high-quality proteins, essential nutrients and Omega 3 fatty acids, such as in oily fish, or vitamin B12 in meat.


Specific collaborative actions


The sectors represented in #CadaCosaPorSuNombre, submitted four petitions to the
Secretary General, which were as follows:

1. Request the new European Commission to implement the delegated act contained in Article 36 of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 to establish additional provisions for vegan products, including prohibiting their imitation as a strategy of displacement and confusion.

2. Propose the development of harmonized national legislation for all products of animal origin, which clarifies the situation, for which it will be of great importance
usefulness to wait for the ruling of the European Court of Justice on the preliminary question raised by France.

3. Strengthen control and surveillance mechanisms by the Autonomous Communities, ensuring compliance with product labelling regulations
imitation vegans, with special attention, in addition, to the HORECA channel.

4. Develop, in collaboration with AESAN, educational campaigns aimed at consumers to increase awareness of nutritional differences
between foods of animal origin versus vegan products.


In short, promoting public-private collaboration in consumer protection, promoting a clear and unified approach, because if biased information is provided or there is a lack of clarity, confusion can arise.


<< And because there are no vegan chicken nuggets, let's call #CadaCosaPorSuNombre >>

    Representatives of Avianza, ANICE, ANFACO-CECOPESCA with the Secretary General of Consumption and Gaming.

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    AVIANZA COMMUNICATION: THE POULTRY MEAT SECTOR FORECASTS AN EXTRA COST OF €860 MILLION IN THIS LEGISLATURE DUE TO CHANGES IN THE EU TRANSPORT REGULATION

    • If the entry into force of the new European regulation on the transport of live animals continues, framed in regulations for the supposed promotion of animal welfare, it would mean an immediate investment of 361 million euros, plus another 125 million euros annually.  
    • For Avianza, this is a regulation that has not taken the sector into account and that is based on a totally “impossible” implementation, which would lead to the closure of Spanish meat companies and the arrival of chicken meat from countries outside the EU that do not meet minimum standards
    • The measure means reducing the loading capacity per truck by 43%, increasing the number of necessary trips by 65% (more than 15 million additional kilometers), and generating an additional 222% of greenhouse gas emissions.

    Madrid, June 27, 2024. Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Poultry Meat Association, has presented, on the occasion of the European Poultry Conference (Valencia), the main conclusions of its “Report on the Impact on the poultry meat sector of the proposal for a Regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related operations”, amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 of the Council of the European Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005. An initiative that supposedly seeks to promote animal welfare, but that neither improves it nor represents a benefit in terms of sustainability, with a negative impact in both fields, especially for Spain. 

    This analysis, which has been transferred to both the European Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Spain, details the disastrous implications of this regulation for both consumers and the environment, contrary to what it claims to intend, and In practice, it means the possible disappearance of thousands of farms and companies producing the poultry meat sector. in our country, given the consequences on the viability, competitiveness and restrictions of the new proposed regulations.

    The regulation aims to impose a redesign of the transport containers, increasing their height, as well as regulating the density in each of them. In addition, the consumption of inputs would increase, such as fuel, wear and tear on vehicles, overtime of transporters (with the consequent occupational risk and road congestion),... It would also imply the adaptation of mechanical infrastructure systems of the processing facilities, waiting times. , etc.  

    These are the main conclusions of the Report:

    Resolution of a Non-existent Problem

    The report highlights that the declines in poultry transport in Spain they are already extremely low, with an average of 0.3%. This figure indicates that the current regulation already guarantees a high level of animal welfare during transport. The proposal does not present a situation or impact analysis, and appears to address a problem that does not exist in the reality of the sector.

    Economic Impact on the Consumer

    The implementation of this regulation would have a brutal economic impact on the Spanish shopping basket, as has been demonstrated in other regulations applied in European countries regarding animal welfare defined behind the backs of the sector, and which has tripled in some cases the price of chicken, as in the case of the Netherlands.

    The additional production cost is estimated at 361 million euros in the first year alone for the adaptation of infrastructure, transportation, etc., to which 125 million euros would be added annually due to the increase in travel, additional necessary personnel, consumption of energy, etc. In total, 861 million euros in this legislature. An increase that would once again affect the entire value chain, especially the population in a situation of economic vulnerability.

    Risk to Food Sovereignty

    Spain is a key exporter of high-quality poultry genetics. The new proposed restrictions would put export capacity at risk, affecting the food sovereignty of both the European Union and the countries supplied. Companies would be forced to relocate outside the EU to maintain their markets, which would also endanger European food sovereignty. Unfortunately, relocation can actually be the step towards the closure of companies and the entry of production from other markets not subject to the regulation that is intended to be applied.

    Environmental Consequences

    The proposed regulation would increase CO2 emissions, water consumption and the carbon footprint of poultry transportation, reducing the sustainability of the sector. This contrasts with the sustainability and environmental protection objectives that the EU aims to promote. In addition to an increase in the number of trips to move the same production of poultry meat (more than 65%), it would imply the emission of 222% more greenhouse gas emissions.

    Assumption “Animal Welfare”

    Contrary to what is intended, the new regulations could harm animal welfare. Increased space between animals during transport could increase the risk of injuries and fractures, without providing significant benefits in terms of animal welfare. Transporting animals with lower densities would be equivalent to creating very dangerous gaps in the event of braking, as well as height regulations, which could cause raised animals to fall and break limbs. For comparison, this measure “"It would be like removing the seats from a bus so that people could travel standing on the road," which is clearly truly reckless.

    Avianza reiterates its commitment to animal welfare, sustainability and food safety. However, it urges that any new regulation be based on concrete data and a rigorous analysis of the real impact on the sector and consumers.

    Economic impact summary table.
    Arán Zaldívar, deputy technical director of Avianza and Enrique Díaz, director of Inprovo.
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    THE FOOD INDUSTRY ALLIANCE MEETS WITH THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES AND FOOD SECURITY TO DEMAND GREATER CONSUMER PROTECTION AGAINST IMITATION VEGAN PRODUCTS

    ANFACO-CECOPESCA, ANICE, AVIANZA and CEDECARNE launched the joint initiative #CadaCosaPorSuNombre last February. An action with which they aim to raise public opinion about the risks of an imbalance in the diet in the face of misinformation and confusion created by so-called imitation vegan products. 

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    Madrid, May 13, 2024. The strategic alliance formed by ANFACO-CECOPESCA (Organization of the sea-industry complex1), ANICE (National Association of Meat Industries of Spain), AVIANZA (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat) and CEDECARNE (Spanish Confederation of Meat Retailers ), which represents more than 150,000 workers, met today with the Secretary General of Agrarian Resources and Food Security, Fernando Miranda, to present the joint initiative #CadaCosaPorSuNombre and demand concrete actions from the government of Spain in defense of consumers. 

    The main objective of this initiative is to raise public opinion about the true composition of said vegan foods and advocate for the need for action by Public Administrations, both at the Consumer level, reviewing Spanish shelves under information regulations. food for the consumer in terms of mentions on the packaging or advertising of the product, as well as developing new specific legislation at national and European level. 

    The meeting follows the one held on February 20 with the General Directorate of Consumer Affairs, and the request to the AESAN for an Interpretative Note for public opinion that helps promote an adequate understanding of its nutritional values and the impacts that it has on the Diet can cause a displacement of animal protein that is essential for our body, along with the rest of the essential micronutrients. 

    Firstly, during it the possibilities that, based on the current legislative framework (Regulation (EU) 1169/2011), allow for Consumer reviews to be carried out on the shelves were discussed, citing the recent success of collaboration with the Ministry in response to the complaint of product of HEURA FOODS that was called “MErlvza Steaks”.

    Next, the current legal frameworks were analyzed in terms of sales names and commercial presentations, and the concept of evocation or unfair practices in comparative advertising (Directives 2006/114/EC and 2005/29/EC), suggesting the need for regulation at a national level that protects the denominations if they do not include said animal protein as long as the scientific species that applies. In addition, legislation that should be taken into account was reviewed, such as Royal Decree 474/2014, on the quality standard for meat derivatives, or Royal Decree 1521/1984 for fishery products, while characteristics for said products are included. 

    Systematic non-compliance without legal action shows that it does not guarantee the differentiation of animal protein foods, and that an updated legal framework is needed. In this regard, the case of France was studied, which has recently raised the possibility of publishing a decree on this matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which sought to avoid possible confusion or deception of the consumer when using terms traditionally associated with products of animal origin, but which are plant-based. It was agreed that once this issue was resolved in the CJEU, a similar initiative would be evaluated in the Spanish state. 

    Finally, the need to promote the development and implementation of the delegated act contained in article 36 of the European Consumer Information Regulation, 1169/2011, to articulate vegan and vegetarian products, as a means of solution, was recalled by the Spanish government. harmonized. This request must be conveyed to the political and European parliamentary parties, so that they can activate it urgently after the next elections in June. Likewise, during the meeting, the historical context of the dispute between vegetable and dairy products was explained, where, until a few years ago, it was common to find vegetable products with names reserved for dairy products. 

    This situation was resolved with the Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of June 14, 2017, which established that plant products cannot be marketed with names such as "milk" or "cheese", which is considered a mandatory reference for the adequate protection of other products of animal origin. The truth behind imitation vegan foods Vegan products, increasingly present on supermarket shelves, are often promoted as healthier and more ethical alternatives to products of animal origin. 

    However, a detailed analysis of its ingredients reveals a different reality. Made from plant protein additives and, in some cases, additives or ingredients that would make them considered ultra-processed, these foods are designed to mimic and displace their animal-based counterparts. Through deceptive advertising strategies, they are presented as beneficial options for health and the environment, using names such as "vegan tuna or chicken" making claims about supposed global environmental benefits not supported by verifiable data. From a nutritional point of view, they lack the benefits of products of animal origin, which offer a unique digestive matrix, rich in high-quality proteins, essential nutrients and Omega 3 fatty acids, as in oily fish, or vitamin B12 in meats, which vegan foods cannot match. 

    Additionally and as a parallel work, the recently published directive 2024/825 regarding consumer empowerment for the ecological transition would provide new paths for the classification of behaviors that will be studied. There is a lack of certification to support the sustainability claims of these products, raising serious questions about their actual impact on the environment. 

    In this context, the vital contribution of the Spanish food industry to the economy and social well-being is highlighted, as well as its globally recognized standards in terms of responsibility and animal welfare. 

    The #CadaCosaPorSuNombre initiative reminds us of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and that the consumer has access to authentic products.

    The spokespersons for the different associations together with the Secretary General of Agrarian Resources and Food Security, Fernando Miranda.
    Image from the #CadaCosaPorSuName campaign.
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    A World Poultry Day with a “Birds of Spain” flavor and a sector more united than ever

    • The Aves de España certification celebrates its first World Poultry Day in operation working on the recognition of Spanish poultry quality 
    • This distinctive mark for poultry meat, promoted by Avianza, continues to take giant steps to unite the fundamental premises of Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety in a quality certificate that values the entire poultry meat production chain.

    Madrid, May 10, 2024. This year the World Poultry Day It has Spanish flavor. The taste of "“Birds of Spain”, a quality certificate for poultry meat in our country that was released a few months ago and that continues unstoppable, combining the fundamental premises of Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety for the entire poultry meat production chain. And on this World Poultry Day for the first time present at this celebration. 

    The certification Birds of Spain in poultry meat products assures the consumer that the operators who obtain it have a certified system that includes strict traceability, quality and control requirements, identifying poultry in the market for the production of meat (fresh, refrigerated or frozen , whether packaged or in bulk); and products made, transformed or processed with it.

    To this end, products that meet all the requirements of the regulation and are certified have the label. Birds of Spain in its packaging. In addition, this logo carries a QR code, in which the consumer can scan and learn more about all the safety, quality and animal welfare certifications of the product they are consuming.

    High-level poultry companies such as Avícola Hidalgo, Nutrave, Redondo and Grupo Vall Companys (through its subsidiaries Pondex and Avigal) have this certification and its incorporation to the shelves of the main supermarket chains is already being finalized.  

    “We are in a turbulent time for the poultry sector, as we have been denouncing in recent months, due to the rise in costs and the transport and animal welfare regulations that they want to implement in Europe, but we also want to convey that positive vision of the great work What we do from Spain to enhance the quality of our poultry meat and consolidate the country as one of the European leaders in poultry meat production. And what better day than World Poultry Day,” says Jordi Montfort, general secretary of Avianza.

    An interprofessional committed to the future of the sector

    This World Poultry Day which is marked by a sector more united than ever, with international vision, with the proactivity of the meat sector to unapologetically promote its contribution to the healthy eating habits of citizens, and the demand to be recognized as an active part in decision-making about the more sustainable future of our planet, especially in matters of regulations that come from the European Commission.  

    And again with internationalization as part of the value proposition as a meat sector, with presence in markets as important as the United Arab Emirates, with the help of ICEX, Mexico or China, with the first mission in years visiting our country to learn first-hand what makes us so attractive as an international gastronomic and agricultural power. 

    And to end the celebrations in this important month for the poultry sector, on May 29 Avianza will collaborate and actively participate in aviFORUM Meat, a poultry meeting that stands as an indispensable reference for professionals in the poultry meat production sector and processing rooms. The interprofessional will have a presentation focused on Animal Welfare.

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    FOURTEEN LIVESTOCK ORGANIZATIONS JOIN TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE FOR SPAIN TO REJECT THE NEW EUROPEAN REGULATION REGARDING THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS

    • Anice, Anprogapor, Apromar, Asaja, Aseprhu, Asoprovac, Avianza, Cesfac, COAG, Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, Federovo, Intercun, UPA and Veteindustria have addressed Minister Luis Planas to show their concern about the new European regulations on the matter. of Animal Welfare and have joined together to demand that the Government of Spain take measures in this regard
    • These organizations declare that the European Regulation on the protection of animals during transport does not defend the European Production Model, does not contemplate or is based on the real Animal Welfare problems of Spain and will have serious consequences for Spanish livestock production. 

    Madrid, April 10, 2024. The Spanish meat livestock sector once again shows its concern regarding the new European regulations on Animal Welfare. Fourteen of the most prominent livestock, agri-food and veterinary organizations in our country (Anice, Anprogapor, Apromar, Asaja, Aseprhu, Asoprovac, Avianza, Cesfac, COAG, Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, Federovo, Intercun, UPA and Veteindustria) have come together and have sent a joint statement addressed directly to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, so that Spain rejects the new European Regulation regarding the protection of animals during transport and related operations, for the amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005. 

    These organizations insist that the new regulation does not have a sufficient scientific basis and does not ensure an improvement in the welfare of animals during transport compared to the current situation. It is evident that the proposal has not been sufficiently worked on and that its social, economic and environmental impact has not been adequately estimated. Likewise, they maintain that the solution must be to work to improve the implementation of the current legislative framework, the most demanding in the world, which would allow the welfare of animals to continue to increase.  

    The demanding measures of the new regulation would risk the economic sustainability of many rural areas in more disadvantaged and depopulated territories, would reduce cultural diversity and benefit the interests of countries that occupy a privileged position for the animal trade, while peripheral countries would be condemned ( and to island territories) to a serious competitive disadvantage, which would bear disproportionate costs.

    "For all this, we strongly ask that Spain's position before the Council be to reject the proposal and demand its withdrawal, frontally opposing it, due to the serious damage it would cause to Spanish livestock production, to the value chain of foods of animal origin, to citizens (whether producers or consumers), to the economy and rural development of our country, to its gastronomic culture and to the Spanish productive model. The entire sector is united in the face of this incoherent proposal,” the spokespersons for these organizations jointly assure. 

    The serious consequences for Spain 

    Spain is one of the main producing countries in the EU and complying with this new regulation would imply a decrease in the productive capacity and competitiveness of livestock production and foods of animal origin in our country. 

    These are the main reasons why this Regulation is not viable: 

    1.  Prevents fair and balanced trade between member countries of the European Union. Due to the limitation of travel hours and temperatures allowed for transport, Spanish farmers would not be able to receive animals for breeding from countries where they are currently purchased, nor would they be able to export high-value genetics to the rest of the world. 

     2.  Unprecedented administrative burden. The obligations included in the proposed standard entail a very high administrative, bureaucratic and personnel cost and many farms do not have the means to carry it out and the smallest ones will be the most affected.

    3.  The Spanish animal production sector suffers clear discrimination due to its geographical location and natural conditions. In the proposed standard, the temperatures and geographical diversity of our country condition us and this proposal represents a comparative insult with respect to other European regions given the average temperatures in Spain. 

    4.   Night work. The difficulties in transporting animals during the day for long periods of the year will force workers in the livestock sector and related activities to work longer hours at night. This would imply that animal production would have a higher cost, more occupational risks, greater difficulties in conciliation and a greater risk for road safety, among others. 

    5. Decrease in exports. If this proposal progresses, Spain's export capacity would be seriously reduced. The impact would not only affect livestock farmers, but also the food chain that depends on products of animal origin (mainly processing and cutting industries, but also feed and input factories necessary for animal production and their products). processed products, and to transporters of animals and their products). 

    6.  Inflation and decrease in state income If the text were approved, the consumer would pay the increases in the production cost of the products in the basic basket. It would be more expensive to consume meat, eggs or fish, especially for people with lower incomes in the population.