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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. 

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Avicola Hidalgo, Nutrave, Redondo and Grupo Vall Companys already have the Birds of Spain certification

  • These four important poultry companies have already completed the audit process of this certificate that arises under the fundamental and unifying premises of Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety for the entire poultry meat production chain.
  • The poultry products of these commercial brands may have this seal on their packaging and labels so that the consumer associates the consumption of poultry with this name with a product that meets the highest quality standards throughout the food chain.
  • Other national producers are immersed in the process of obtaining this seal and will soon join the network of companies certified with the distinction. Birds of Spain
  • The poultry sector produced more than 1.6 million tons of poultry meat in 2023, increasing production by 2.5% and recovering household consumption in relation to 2022

Madrid, April 4, 2024. The quality certificate BIRDS OF SPAIN (www.avesdeespana.es), promoted by Avianza (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat), is already a reality that highlights the production of poultry meat (chicken, turkey and quail) in our country, from its breeding , production, preparation of products and their distribution throughout the world.

This certificate adds four new member poultry companies that have verified through an exhaustive audit that they comply with the main values of the entire production chain: sustainability (both environmental, economic and social), the Animal welfare and the Food safety.

The companies Poultry Hidalgo, Nutrave, Redondo and Vall Companys Group (through its subsidiaries Pondex and Avigal) can now add the identification label of Birds of Spain, so that the consumer associates the consumption of poultry with this designation with a product that meets the highest quality standards throughout the food chain.

“That companies are betting on this unifying seal of Spanish poultry meat is a decisive step to highlight the quality of our poultry meat and consolidate the country as one of the European leaders in poultry meat production,” says Jordi Montfort, general secretary of Avianza and adds that “we are very satisfied with the great reception of this initiative since other national producers are immersed in the process of obtaining this seal and will soon join the network of companies certified with the Aves de Spain. We encourage other poultry producers to be part of Birds of Spain”. 

All the information at the consumer's fingertips

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 will have the label. Birds of Spain in its packaging. Besides, 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.

A leading sector in Spain

Avianza brings together more than 65 associated companies and represents more than 90% of companies linked to the poultry sector, both chicken, turkey and other poultry. In total, it has more than 5,000 farms and production centers, 281 cutting and processing rooms, which provide direct employment to more than 40,000 professionals.

The poultry sector produced more than 1.6 million tons of poultry meat in 2023, increasing production by 2.5% and recovering household consumption in relation to 2022. Poultry meat has become a refuge product for Spanish homes.

The four companies certified with the AVES DE ESPAÑA seal.
The Vall Companys Group receiving certification during the last Alimentaria fair.
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AVIANZA, ANFACO-CECOPESCA AND ANICE JOIN TO DEFEND THE NUTRITIONAL AUTHENTICITY OF PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN AGAINST IMITATION VEGAN FOODS

Those responsible for the three most representative organizations in Spain in the production of products of animal origin, both terrestrial and marine, met today with the General Director of Consumer Affairs, Daniel Arribas, in order to express to him the common movement of the entire the Spanish industry.

Under the initiative #CEveryThingByItsName, aim to raise public opinion about the true composition of these vegan foods, which in no way resemble the quality of animal protein or the content of its micronutrients.

Similar action is requested from neighboring countries, such as France or Italy, which have initiated legislative processes in order to ensure accurate information that ensures a correct choice for consumers and thus puts an end to unfair competition.

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In a strategic and unprecedented alliance to date, ANFACO-CECOPESCA (Organization of the sea-industry complex), ANICE (National Association of Meat Industries of Spain) and AVIANZA (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat) have undertaken a common initiative national level in defense of seafood, meat and poultry products, given the growing presence in the Spanish market of imitation vegan foods whose objective is to take advantage of the reputation of products of animal origin, attempting to mislead the consumer through its advertising and labeling.

For this reason, today the three entities have met with the General Director of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Daniel Arribas, in order to present to you the joint initiative that they will call #CEveryThingByItsName, with which they aim to raise public opinion about the true composition of said vegan foods, and the need to act from the Public Administrations, both at the Consumer level, reviewing the Spanish shelves under the principles of the food information regulations for the consumer in terms of mentions on the packaging or advertising of the product, and developing new specific legislation.

In this regard, although the European Consumer Information Regulation 1169/2011 includes elements of action, the meeting discussed the draft legislative projects that are being produced in France, 2023/0510/FR, or Italy, 2023/0469/IT, with decrees already sent to TRIS that seek to restrict the commercial names of products of animal origin by establishing minimum percentages of content in the ingredients, among other measures. These decrees should constitute a working basis for the ministry in its defense of the Mediterranean diet, an internationally recognized and scientifically proven diet against new vegan trends that employ unfair competition.

It is enough to read the ingredients of these vegan foods to understand that they are derived from vegetable proteins, prepared with the aim of imitating and displacing products of animal origin, presenting themselves as advantageous in the field of health, environmental character and even from a perspective. ethics. To do this, they do not hesitate to use names such as “vegan tuna or chicken”, as well as false advertising messages alluding to the fact that their consumption benefits the environment or is more responsible.

As a reminder, The three associative entities remember that nutrition must be varied and balanced. In this sense, products of animal origin incorporate a unique digestive matrix, with authentic and incomparable elements, related to the quality of their proteins (essential amino acids), or key micronutrients, such as minerals and vitamins, without forgetting the essential Omega 3 fatty acids. , present in fish. These vegan foods can never nutritionally replace products of animal origin.

Regarding sustainability, an argument in which many of these foods abound, we subscribe to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee, which considers that Sustainability labels or claims that are not based on a widely recognized certification regime should be prohibited. Therefore, it lacks a rigorous comparison of the carbon or water footprint that these vegan foods produce, or the origin of their ingredients, which could precisely conclude the opposite, being more harmful to the environment.

Finally, it must be remembered that Spain is a world power in the food industry, being its vital socioeconomic contribution to many coastal and rural areas, helping with its activity to support thousands of families and with standards of responsibility or animal welfare recognized worldwide, that demonstrate the good choice of consuming Spanish products of animal origin.

It is expected that this initiative will generate deep reflection in the Spanish government and invite it to act, legislating in accordance with France and Italy, thus demonstrating its defense of loyal, truthful and transparent food information, which does not mislead the consumer.

Because a soy preparation is not a vegan chicken, nor is a chickpea pasta a nugget, let's call #CEveryThingByItsName.

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Avianza trains professionals in the poultry sector on the animal welfare seal Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS)

 

  • The Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat has met in Madrid more than ninety professionals from all over Spain to delve into the characteristics and processes of this new B+ Animal Welfare Commitment badge, specific for the poultry meat sector
  • This training has been given by Dr. Ana E. Blanco, Agricultural Engineer in Animal Production and Antonio Alegre, veterinarian specializing in poultry farming.

Madrid, February 2, 2024. AVIANZA, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, has carried out a complete training day for professionals in the poultry sector where more than ninety attendees from all over Spain have been able to delve deeper and train on a topic as relevant as animal welfare. Specifically, the training has revolved around the new B+ Animal Welfare Commitment certificate, specific for the poultry meat sector, called Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS).

This animal welfare seal was created with the aim of demonstrating the responsibility and awareness of the poultry sector with forms of production that are respectful of animals, improving good animal management practices and, therefore, contributing to greater efficiency in animal production. and higher product quality.

The day included presentations by Dr. Ana E. Blanco, Agricultural Engineer in animal production, and Antonio Alegre, veterinarian specializing in poultry, who carefully explained each of the key points to understand the certification. From specific characteristics of the AAWS seal, to the technical regulations of the animal welfare reference, as well as the audit processes for farms and processing plants.

“The poultry sector has the moral and deontological obligation to provide the greatest possible animal welfare to birds, not only to guarantee compliance with current regulations, but to provide standards beyond the legislation,” said Arán Zaldívar, technical director of Avianza. and added that “consideration for animal welfare is increasingly present among consumers and, therefore, the Spanish poultry sector has to be committed to increasing their confidence with a certification such as Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS). )”.

The commitment to animal welfare in the poultry sector

Improving good animal management practices contributes to greater efficiency in animal production and higher product quality. Hence the importance of all poultry farming professionals being aware of the relevance for their companies of having this certification.

Avianza Animal Welfare (AAWS) is an initiative framed in the common seal “B+ Commitment to Animal Welfare”, a project that arises from the Agri-Food Interprofessional Organizations of the Spanish livestock-meat sector and which brings together the interprofessional organizations of each of the sectors represented. Obtaining the AAWS certification, specific to the poultry meat sector, is necessary to authorize the use of the “B+ Animal Welfare Commitment” Mark.

The AVIANZA Animal Welfare Reference for fattening birds aims to lay the foundations for the strictest animal welfare standards in the production of meat birds. The objective pursued with the certification of the AVIANZA Animal Welfare Reference is to evaluate the animal welfare of poultry farms and processing centers in a standardized and objective manner.

In addition to ensuring compliance with community legal regulations on animal welfare, it raises standards above the legal minimum as it expands the fields of action and control relating to the five freedoms of animal welfare.

On farms, aspects that affect feeding, behavior, management and handling by staff and their relationship with birds, facilities and health are evaluated. While in processing centers, aspects related to the effect of handling by personnel, transportation and related operations, stabling and stunning operations (either electrical or controlled atmosphere), slaughter and possible injuries during these practices. The evaluation is carried out through audits in which direct and indirect conditions that may affect poultry are verified.

This certification is carried out by certification bodies, and is part of a constant evaluation, through follow-up audits, which ensure continuous compliance with the requirements established in the AVIANZA Animal Welfare Reference.

From left To right: Arán Zaldivar, technical director of Avianza; Dr. Ana E. Blanco and veterinarian Antonio Alegre, responsible for training on AAWS.
A moment of training for professionals in the poultry sector on the Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS) animal welfare seal.
A moment from Dr. Ana E. Blanco's intervention in the training of Avianza.
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Avianza promotes its first certification to promote poultry meat from Spain

  • This certificate arises under the fundamental and unifying premises of Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety for the entire poultry meat production chain.
  • That the sector has its own distinctive mark is a decisive step to highlight the quality of Spanish poultry meat and consolidate the country as one of the European leaders in production.
  • This reference will be present in the attached poultry meat products so that the consumer associates the consumption of poultry with a product that meets the highest quality standards throughout the food chain.
  • The interprofessional encourages all national producers to join the network of companies certified with the AVES DE ESPAÑA distinctive

 

Madrid, October 24, 2023. Spanish poultry meat already has its own quality certificate. Under the global initiative “BIRDS OF SPAIN” (www.avesdeespana.es), promoted by Avianza (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat), the bases and necessary tools are laid to value the production of poultry meat (chicken, turkey and quail) in our country, from its breeding, production, preparation of products and its distribution throughout the world.

This certificate functions as a backbone element of the main values of the entire production chain: sustainability (both environmental, economic and social), the Animal welfare and the Food safety, which is why it represents a decisive step to value the quality of Spanish poultry meat and consolidate the country as one of the European leaders in poultry meat production.

This initiative also incorporates the Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS),a new B+ Animal Welfare Commitment badge, specific for the poultry meat sector, and guarantor of its implementation, above the current regulations throughout the production process.

All the information at the consumer's fingertips

The AVES DE ESPAÑA certification 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 for meat production in the market ( fresh, chilled 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 will have the AVES DE ESPAÑA label on their packaging. Besides, This logo carries a QR code, in which the consumer can scan and learn up close all the information on the origin and traceability of the product they are consuming.

“This launch is a priority for Avianza and the sector, because we are sure that the Spanish Birds certificate will give consumers greater confidence in the transparency of quality processes, increase the prestige of the sector and its products and, of course, will favor local consumption over imported products” says Josep Solé, president of Avianza.

A challenge for the sector

From Avianza the website has been enabled BIRDS OF SPAIN (www.avesdeespana.es) to inform the entire sector about the details of the certification process and all national producers are urged to join the network of certified companies under the umbrella of AVES DE ESPAÑA.

The pilot project for this seal is being carried out with the poultry companies PADESA and Vall Companys, and the interprofessional estimates that more than twenty companies will join throughout this year.

A certified process

Compliance with the requirements of the regulation by operators and their certification is carried out through external audits carried out by a certification entity approved by ENAC, and are authorized by Avianza.

Avianza brings together more than 65 associated companies and represents more than 90% of companies linked to the poultry sector, both chicken, turkey and other poultry. In total, it has more than 5,000 farms and production centers, 281 cutting and processing rooms, which provide direct employment to more than 40,000 professionals.

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Avianza Communiqué II General Assembly of Associates

Madrid, July 1, 2022.- After the celebration of the II General Assembly of Associates of the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat (Avianza), last Tuesday, June 28, 2022, we want to convey to the public opinion some of the main conclusions reached, after a in-depth analysis of the current situation our sector is going through, as well as the serious and pressing problems that concern you. Avianza represents practically all the companies in the poultry sector, approximately 90%.

First of all, We want to point out that we do not share the messages that have appeared in recent days in some media about a possible shortage of poultry meat for consumers.. Although we respect the opinion of the different actors in the sector, and even though we are the first to confirm that there are serious problems that affect us, we believe that at this time alarmist news cannot be conveyed to the public opinion, which, in addition, can lead to greater problems. .

We are aware that all productive sectors of our country, also at a global level, We are suffering from the unaffordable increases in current energy costs, but to this it must be added in the specific case of meat-poultry sector, the very strong escalation of raw materials, wheat, barley, corn, soybeans... that we have been suffering from since the end of 2020.

Just some data: the cost of feed is approximately 70% of the total production costs of the poultry sector, The price of raw materials for feed formulation has increased by 100% in the last year and a half, a 50% since the war between Ukraine and Russia began at the end of last February, with the aggravating factor that both countries produce 30% of all world cereal production.

And this brutal cost increase It has barely been able to be passed on to our main clients, especially the Distribution channel (large stores), which represents 80% of all sales in our sector, with the poultry companies themselves having to assume the rest of the cost.

We consider that it is good for all economic operators in the poultry-meat sector that The Food Chain Law is respected, in all phases of the production process, in which not only are the poultry meat processing companies, but also, of course, all our integrated farmers and, of course, those who make our products available to final consumers, both Large Distribution, such as the Horeca Channel or operators in more traditional markets.

Otherwise, the companies represented in AVIANZA will continue to suffer significant losses that could condition its own viability. And at this point, we insist, we do not forget our associated farmers, an important part of the production process.

We ask that the value of the product be recognized what do we do, its contribution to the healthy diet of millions of people and its role as a generator of employment, as well as its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of our country and, ultimately, its contribution to the sustainable well-being of the population.  

We want finally thank you for the support we receive from all Public Administrations, state, regional and local, among them, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which we allow ourselves to personalize in the Minister, Mr. Luis Planas. We know that the needs are infinite and the resources are limited, but we fully trust that we can count on your decisive support. A good example of this was the participation in the closing of the Assembly of Mr. Fernando Miranda, Secretary General of Agriculture and Food, whose assistance we especially appreciate. AVIANZA. Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat.

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Avianza Statement June 22, 2022

In relation to the information about “possible chicken shortages after the summer”:

AVIANZA shows its commitment to Spanish consumers and calls for the responsibility of all members of the food chain

Madrid, June 22, 2022.- From Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, which represents 90% of the production of chicken, turkey and quail meat in our country, we consider it necessary to call for the responsibility of the entire food chain to transfer confidence to Spanish consumers at a time, once again, of maximum tension in the market.

We represent the activity of more than 5,000 farms, 280 production centers, 120 slaughterhouses, as well as 65 integrating companies, which means more than 40,000 professionals linked to the sector directly and indirectly. A sector that integrates the activity of farmers, veterinarians, producers of raw materials, slaughterhouses, cutting and production centers, marketing companies, logistics, specialists in genetics, foreign trade, sustainability, innovation, etc.

Our mission has been and is to ensure the defense of a priority sector in the agricultural and livestock field of our country, where poultry meat is the most consumed in Spain, and which represented a volume of more than 1.4 million tons of poultry meat. produced in 2021.

Since March 2020, when the health crisis caused by the COVID19 pandemic and its economic and social consequences began, we have been one of the sectors hardest hit by the increase in raw materials for the production of feed, energy, transportation, measures additional health control measures, increase in supplies, war in Ukraine, transport strike, etc.

And at all times, our companies and professionals have maintained their activity to ensure the supply of poultry meat to consumers, even in the worst moments of confinement. We are, therefore, a responsible, committed sector that advocates constant cooperation, and we have done this despite the great difficulties that both the aforementioned professionals and the companies involved have had.

For this reason, as a poultry sector we have remained united to demand that both Spanish and European public administrations, as well as the distribution sector, the main marketer of our products, adopt measures to correspond to the great human and business efforts undertaken to maintain our production at all times.

It is necessary to advance in the weighting of public aid to a sector that, due to its weight, is undervalued, with items that do not correspond to our volume or importance in the economy. All this, within a constructive and at the same time firm dialogue with the administrations.

We have also asked the distribution channels for this responsibility, with the review of trade agreements that will adapt to the new macroeconomic situations, since the entire production chain, from genetics to breeding, through production, processing and marketing of the product She is exhausted after more than two years of continuous efforts.

Some data show the dimension of an unsustainable situation, since the reality and figures are alarming for everyone who is part of the production chain.

  • It has gone from a price of 36.2 euros/MWh to €289.62/MWh according to data from the Iberian Electricity Market Operator (OMIE). The cost of energy is key for farms, slaughterhouses, production centers, logistics and transportation, etc.
  • If we add to this that cereals have increased, we go from having an average feed cost of 300 euros/tonne over the last 5 years to more than 500 euros/tonne in 2022.
  • Likewise, of the production cost per kilo of chicken, 70% goes to the feed. These costs have been assumed by the integration companies with full responsibility to continue bringing poultry meat to the population. For example, the integrators have had a cost increase of 40% of costs since January 2022 and only 15.5 % has been passed on to them.

As we said, the poultry sector is made up of countless other actors such as genetic research, farm breeding, production or processing, marketing, labor, the plastic and cardboard sector, logistics, etc. All these branches are in critical condition.

We agree, and we convey this to all the agents involved in the sector, that compliance with the Chain Law is needed, but in real time and in a fair manner and for this to be the case we need responsibility on the part of the distribution to make a remuneration according to the increase in all these items.

As we said, the poultry sector as a whole is exhausted, with all companies assuming critical losses, but again, as on previous occasions, the union of all of us, as well as the common defense of our objectives, will be key to overcoming it. As an interprofessional that represents that 90% of the poultry sector, we reaffirm more than ever our commitment to work on it.

Therefore, and most importantly, we call for responsibility not to convey critical messages such as “possible shortages” to consumers, as they can generate even more uncertainty in an already tense social and economic situation. As an association, we represent the interests of the entire sector, and the integrating companies belonging to this interprofessional group convey their commitment to society to continue bringing the necessary product to their homes, while reiterating their willingness to continue collaborating to, in a united way, demand solutions and the necessary help so that our poultry sector is matched with the aid and necessary co-responsibility of the rest of the Food Chain.

Madrid, June 22, 2022.

Antonio Sánchez, president of Avianza / Jordi Montfort, Secretary General of Avianza.

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LIVESTOCK-MEAT FORUM COMMUNICATION: THE LIVESTOCK-MEAT SECTOR COMMITS TO CONTINUE “BUILDING THE COUNTRY”

  • The Interprofessional Organizations of the sector promote the Livestock-Meat Forum on two essential criteria: unity and a determined commitment to the country
  • At the presentation event, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, highlighted the Government's support for the livestock and meat sector "for providing quality food, boosting our exports and giving life to our rural environment."


June 2022. Acting in a coordinated manner to face current challenges, such as sustainability and climate change, digitalization and innovation or the demographic challenge and the structuring of rural Spain, are the strategic axes of the Livestock-Meat Forum, a new initiative of the six interprofessional organizations of the sector that were presented today at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with the participation of Minister Luis Planas.


In his speech, the person in charge of the Spanish agri-food sector highlighted that «Society has to know that it has in our livestock farmers, in the meat sector, one of the pillars by which it can feel calm», highlighting "the need to publicize their work and the progress they are making to produce sustainable food, respectful of the environment and animal welfare."


The minister has reiterated the Government's support for the livestock and meat sector «for providing quality food, boosting our exports and giving life to our rural environment," and in relation to EU promotion aid, he stated that he shares the sector's concern: «reducing support for meat in promotion without a prior discussion of the analyzes and context that lead to that decision is wrong. Spain will defend this position within the framework of the EU", it is finished.


"All the sectors we represent are united and committed to our country", stated in their interventions the presidents of Interporc, Manuel García, and of Interovic, Raúl Muñiz, on behalf of the six interprofessional organizations (Asici, Avianza, Intercun, Interovic, Interporc and Provacuno).


«We are determined to create a strong public-private collaboration to value our sectors and the work and dedication of the hundreds of thousands of professionals who work in them, not only for the social, economic and territorial value, which we already contribute, but also, and above all, for anticipating the challenges that society and the market demand of us. It is precisely this alliance that provides the best added value to this initiative", They have highlighted.


For this, the Livestock-Meat Forum, which was born with the motto «Building country», is committed to three fundamental objectives:

  1. Share with society the chain's efforts to be more sustainable and innovative hand in hand with economic development.
  2. Make visible the work and voice of Spanish municipalities.
  3. Develop truthful and transparent communication with the support of the scientific world.

And all this through the contributions of the sector to the Spanish economy, to the structuring of rural Spain and the establishment of the population, to sustainability and digitalization, innovation and development.


The Spanish livestock-meat sector is a net generator of opportunities for our country: it creates quality jobs, energizes the territories where it is established and, thanks to the export vocation, it is promoting the Spain brand throughout the world. And all this, without losing the essence of the sector of protecting the territory and the environment, among other reasons, because its own existence depends on it.


The Forum responds to the desire of the livestock-meat chain to promote all advances in sustainability and the efforts and resources
intended to reduce the environmental impact, advance the circularity of productions and move towards environmental neutrality and the promotion of a more sustainable environment through significant economic investments, innovation and talent.


At the same time, the Forum also wants to publicize the important efforts made by the chain and the companies that make up it to address a deep integration of digitalization and innovation processes in the productive processes of the sector.


The Forum also aims to become, through the Municipal Livestock-Meat Network, the main defender of the economic and social activities that have allowed the survival of many cities and towns in rural areas. Its purpose is to establish meeting points that make visible the important work of the chain to face the demographic and economic challenges that the country must face, and promote public-private collaboration between city councils and the sector.


And finally, the Forum aims to provide quality information on the challenges and actions of the livestock-meat chain. biased information,
interested and directed has recently become a serious problem that affects the public sector and the markets alike. The
The contribution of the Forum will be transparency and the incorporation of the world of science and research into the social debate as the best means of
knowledge about the meat-livestock chain and its productions.


The presentation event of the Forum included the holding of two expert panels on "Sustainability and Digitalization" and "The channel's bets on the demographic, generational challenge and equality", moderated by journalists Íñigo Inchusta and Elisa Plumed, with the participation of Manuel Lainez (innovation and sustainability consultant), Carlos Piñeiro (information management systems in livestock), Francesc Boya (General Secretary of Demographic Challenge), Margarita Rico (professor-researcher at the University of Valladolid) and Lucía Velasco (livestock representative).


Link to the Forum presentation: https://youtu.be/m7HjmGH0tgU
Website: www.forogc.es


The Livestock-Meat chain
To correctly situate the enormous social and economic significance of the livestock-meat chain, we must refer to the millions of families in our country whose life and development is directly linked to livestock production, industry and meat marketing. More than 2 million people depend on this activity in Spain, from farmers who grow cereals and forage to feed livestock, through the feed manufacturing industry, livestock farmers, meat industries, the animal health industry, veterinary professionals, the livestock and meat logistics and transport sector, auxiliary industries (agricultural machinery, livestock facilities, facilities for industry, cold, etc.), organized distribution (supermarket and hypermarket chains) and specialized retail distribution (butcher shops-delicatessens).


Livestock activity is carried out on more than 350,000 farms throughout the country and more than half of our activity is located in municipalities with less than 5,000 inhabitants. Livestock farming directly employs more than half a million people and the meat industries and retail trade another 200,000 employees. Livestock farming contributes 16,500 million euros to Final Agricultural Production, while the turnover of the meat industry amounts to 31,727 million (28.5% of the entire agri-food industrial sector), with 9,107 million euros of exports in 2021 contributed to the country's trade balance.

More information:
Jose Manuel Alvarez
Interprofessional Platform Coordinator
Livestock-Meat
[email protected]
646 65 28 46