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AVIANZA is part of the BIOTEGANIA project to improve animal health and livestock sustainability 

  • The initiative works on a comprehensive solution to control and prevent the transmission of diseases, optimize logistics and production processes and reduce environmental impact.l.
  • The BIOTEGANIA project was created to address the challenges and limitations of the agri-food sector through new technologies.
  • Funded by the CDTI and the State Research Agency of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of the Government of Spain, it has a consortium made up of seven companies and six research centers.

Livestock farming is a key activity to ensure that people have adequate access to the protein necessary to meet their nutritional needs. The pig and poultry sectors represent nearly 11% of Spanish GDP and employ more than 700,000 people.

Despite its importance, this sector faces multiple challenges and limitations such as the control of greenhouse gas emissions, nitrates and phosphorus, the need to restrict the use of antibiotics or the improvement of animal welfare. These are challenges that must inevitably be faced in order to achieve its goals. ensure the sustainability of production in an ethical and responsible manner.

To achieve this, it is essential to improve the overall health of animals and develop new technologies, methods and practices that make the sector more efficient, competitive and environmentally friendly, and which also takes into account the entire livestock value chain.

In this context, the BIOTEGANIA project was born, funded by the CDTI and the State Research Agency of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of the Government of Spain.

The initiative aims to develop a system that integrates different biotechnological, digital and artificial intelligence tools for the detection, prevention, control and treatment of emerging communicable diseases and for the optimization of logistics and production processes in the agri-food sector. In this way, through sensors and advanced diagnostics, the application of biosecurity and biocontainment, and phage therapy, the aim is to offer the food value chain a comprehensive solution, promoting significant environmental, social and economic benefits that will improve the competitiveness of livestock farming.

Social impact

The project will respond to two problems of great importance to society, such as: protection, welfare and sustainability of farm animals, and the safety of the food we consume.

On the one hand, it will contribute to improving animal health and welfare by reducing non-communicable diseases. At the same time, environmental issues will be addressed, promoting the ecological transition by reducing the impact of waste and the water and CO footprint.2 in livestock production.

Likewise, the initiative will help improve the quality and safety of the food we consume, reducing the potential transmission of zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance through the consumption of contaminated food, which will help ensure food safety and protect consumer health.

This research and knowledge transfer project involves the collaboration between seven companies and six research centres. In the business field they participate Quartet SL of Jorge Group; Sanchez Romero Carvajal Jabugo SAU of the Osborne Group; Cobb Española SA of Cobb Group Europe; White AVICOLA SL from Grupo Oblanca; Vital Professional Services SERPROVIT SL; Animal Data Analytics ADA SL; and Exopol SLU. On the other hand, in the scientific-technological field it has the participation of the technological center AZTI (Basque Country), the Poultry Quality and Animal Feed Center of the Valencian Community (CECAV), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the Cardenal Herrera University (UCH-CEU), the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and the Polytechnic University of Valencia ((UPV). In addition, the project is supported by ANPROGAPOR (National Association of Pig Producers) and AVIANZA (Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat), which will promote the dissemination of the project's progress in both sectors and enhance the continuity of the project and the exploitation of its results.

Image resource from Avianza.

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Once again, the Birds of Spain are the stars of AVIANZA's Thanksgiving celebration

● The Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat has organized, one more year, the Thanksgiving dinner with chef Manu Berganza (Azotea Group) and the pairing of Bodegas Carmelo Rodero

● The event, which took place at the Cornamusa restaurant in Madrid, brought together prominent representatives of the agri-food sector, as well as journalists and influencers related to food, gastronomy and lifestyle.

● In addition, Aves de España will hold a raffle in collaboration with Taste of America - through their Instagram profiles - where 15 turkeys of Spanish origin and different classic American side dishes will be given away.

Madrid, November 27, 2024.- For the third consecutive year, Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, has celebrated the traditional Thanksgiving holiday with turkey and Spanish poultry as the main protagonists. For this, the chef chosen was Manu Berganza, who leads the kitchens of Azotea Grupo and prepared, at the Cornamusa restaurant (Madrid), a complete roast turkey menu with its traditional garnishes and also shared his carving technique with the attendees.


During this culinary event, which was attended by a large group of guests including representatives of the Spanish agri-food sector, journalists and renowned influencers in the gastronomic and lifestyle fields, Avianza continued to promote the consumption of poultry meat, in general, and turkey in particular, one of the most versatile and healthy options on the market. And of course, highlighting meat certified with the Aves de España seal, a distinction that certifies the Quality, Sustainability and Food Safety of the Spanish poultry product.


In addition, on this occasion, Avianza had the collaboration of Bodegas Carmelo Rodero, who created a perfect pairing to accompany the turkey. Its founder, Carmelo Rodero, and its technical director and oenologist, Beatriz Rodero, shared with the attendees the history of their company and the details of the wines of the evening: Carmelo Rodero Crianza 2022, Carmelo Rodero Raza 2021 and Carmelo Rodero TSM.


“It is a pleasure for us to continue promoting Thanksgiving, a holiday with such a beautiful connotation as gratitude and in which everything revolves around a turkey” says Jordi Montfort, Secretary General of Avianza, adding that “it is a celebration that allows us to continue giving value to the Poultry of Spain, to the work of thousands of farmers and professionals in a production chain that employs more than 40,000 people and is one of the three main producers of poultry meat in Europe. For all these reasons, combining this American tradition with a quality raw material such as the Spanish turkey seems to us to be the perfect combination.”

Turkey: symbol of celebration and versatility


Turkey has earned a prominent place on holiday tables thanks to its versatility, flavor and ability to bring people together around a special meal. It is an essential food in Christmas and Thanksgiving recipes, a holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, where stuffed turkey is the main dish.


Similarly, in the Christmas celebrations of many cultures, roast or stuffed turkey has become one of the most traditional recipes, consolidating its presence on the tables during these festivities.

Spanish turkey and American side dishes, the perfect combination


In addition to this Thanksgiving dinner, Avianza and Aves de España will be holding a raffle from Thanksgiving Day (November 28) until December 5 in collaboration with Taste of America, a company specializing in American products. 15 turkeys will be given away, as well as products to accompany them, such as pumpkin puree or the classic turkey stuffing with herbs and spices. The contest rules can be found on the Instagram profiles @avesdespana and @tasteofamericae.

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Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, celebrate it however you like, but always with Birds of Spain

We propose a very simple and tasty recipe to surprise your guests.


Thanksgiving It is a beloved tradition that we are already adopting in our country. This celebration, originating in American culture, becomes a great opportunity to be thankful, gather family members and share a special evening around a roast turkey.

In fact, there are many who already adapt this dinner and turn it into the so-called and fun Friendsgiving, where friends get together to celebrate and give thanks for their union and friendship.


He Thanksgiving It has gained prominence in recent years and there are already numerous emblematic restaurants that include special menus of Thanksgiving in our country, but, Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, wants to go a step further and promote this celebration also having a prominent place in homes.

The goal is for Spaniards to learn how to cook turkey, but always with the quality and safety that comes from doing so using Spanish poultry meat that is certified with Birds of Spain, a seal of quality awarded to those poultry products that have been audited and that follow the premises and controls based on Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety.


To achieve this goal, Birds of Spain has had the collaboration of the company specialized in American products, Taste of America, which shares a great recipe to celebrate Thanksgiving at home on November 28th, with the perfect combination of the Spanish touch of poultry and North American products for the accompaniment.


Ingredients:


● 1 whole turkey (5-7 kilos). Serves 10 people
● 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
● 4 fresh sprigs of thyme, rosemary or sage, or a combination of all of these
● 1 lemon, cut into quarters
● Salt
● Freshly ground black pepper
● 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth


Instructions:


● Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30/60 minutes before roasting it
● Preheat the oven to 220ºC and leave only the bottom rack open
● Melt the butter in a saucepan, together with the herbs
● Spread the turkey generously with butter all over and season with salt and pepper, even under the skin, in some areas, so that it has contact with the meat
● Place the turkey in the roasting pan with the breast facing up. Remove the herb sprigs from the butter and place inside the turkey, along with the lemon.
● Pour 2 cups of broth into the pan and hold the wings under the turkey
● Place the turkey in the oven and lower the temperature to 180ºC
● The general rule is 27 minutes in the oven for every kilo. A 7 kilo turkey will take a little over 3 hours to roast. You can check the temperature with a thermometer to ensure progress. The meat should be at least 75ºC when finished.
● Every 30-45 minutes, baste the turkey with the butter and juices from the pan


Tips:


● For crispier skin, use a baking dish with a built-in rack so that the turkey meat is not in contact with the juices during roasting.
● You can place aluminum foil halfway through roasting if the skin burns.
● Tip to check if the turkey is cooked: gently pull on one wing. If it comes off easily, the turkey is done.


Taste of America recommends a selection of the most typical products to accompany the star dish of turkey on Thanksgiving day, or weekend, such as Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, snow peas or mashed sweet potatoes, as well as stuffing for the turkey, which can be found in their establishments: https://www.tasteofamerica.es/.

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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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Avianza held its first race “10K Madrid Runs for Sustainable Poultry Meat”

The Interprofessional organised this sporting event, part of the European campaign "European Poultry Meat: a sustainable choice", where a popular race and a family walk were held.


Madrid, October 16, 2024. Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, has successfully held the “10K Madrid Runs for Sustainable European Poultry Meat” race and the 3.5K family walk, which brought together hundreds of people not only to run, but also to enjoy a true celebration of sport, sustainability and a good atmosphere that ended with a succulent poultry meat tasting.


The good weather accompanied the runners who, from the Madrid esplanade of Puente del Rey, began a spectacular route through Madrid Río and Casa de Campo.


After finishing the race, participants were able to enjoy music, gifts, children's activities, masseurs and, above all, a spectacular menu featuring chicken skewers and poultry sausages, among others.


The fastest runners received prizes in sports equipment, with €100 for the winners, €75 for the runners-up and €50 for the third-placed runners in the male and female categories. All participants were entered into a draw for a €100 voucher for sports equipment.

This event is part of the EURSPO campaign, a programme promoted by poultry associations from France, Poland, Germany and Spain under the motto “European Poultry Meat: A Sustainable Choice”. Its aim is to raise consumer awareness about the sustainability of the European poultry sector and its commitment to a more environmentally friendly food system, with a particular emphasis on reducing food waste.

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The “Birds of Spain” certificate reaches supermarkets for the first time

With this presence on the shelves of Ahorramas supermarkets, Aves de España marks the beginning of its campaign to reach consumers and highlight the quality of the processes and food safety of poultry meat certified with the seal.

Spanish poultry is at its peak and both new poultry companies and more food chains are about to join the certification.

Madrid, October 8, 2024. The quality certificate BIRDS OF SPAIN (www.avesdeespana.es), promoted by Avianza (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat) is already a reality on the shelves. The objective of Avianza is to progressively bring its promotion campaign to the establishments of the Distribution channel, as well as small businesses and butchers throughout Spain. Birds of Spain, with the aim of informing the consumer about the quality of Spanish poultry meat, which is produced under the premises Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety.

The first large retailer to join this initiative has been Ahorramas, a food distributor that already has poultry products identified with the “heart” of Aves de España on its shelves.

The objective of Avianza is to have a presence in the spaces dedicated to poultry meat, both in the area of Poultry shop as in the areas of Refrigerated, where the consumer can identify which products have the seal Birds of Spain thanks to the labelling provided for this purpose). Customers can also obtain all relevant information on the requirements that these meat products meet through a code bidi which redirects to the campaign website, where all the available information can be found.

For now, poultry products from such relevant companies as Avícola Hidalgo, Nutrave, Redondo and Grupo Vall Companys (through its subsidiaries Pondex and Avigal), officially certified with the seal Birds of Spain, are the pioneers that already have the labeling on the shelves. Soon, new companies that are already currently processing the certification will join, and will soon add this identifier in supermarkets. At the same time, other important supermarket chains will also join in the short term, giving space to Birds of Spain.

“For Avianza and the entire poultry sector, it is great news to be able to bring the quality of Spanish poultry meat to the consumer. And doing so in collaboration with a leading company synonymous with quality and commitment such as Ahorramas is a great satisfaction” says Jordi Montfort, Secretary General of Avianza, who adds that “this is the starting signal for an initiative that further strengthens the Spanish poultry sector, which certifies the quality of our products and, above all, which shows the unity of a sector in its commitment to differentiation”.

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 on its packaging. In addition, this logo has a QR code, which the consumer can scan and learn about all the safety, quality and animal welfare certifications of the product they are consuming.

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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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    AVES DE ESPAÑA CONTINUES TO SHOW ITS SEAL OF QUALITY WITH ACTIONS IN MUNICIPAL MARKETS IN DEMADRID

    A collaboration with chef Roberto Martínez Foronda and Higinio Gómez that seeks to highlight “Aves de España” as a poultry benchmark for quality and commitment.

    Madrid, July 2024 – Aves de España, faithful to its commitment to bring Spanish poultry meat closer to consumers, has carried out a new action in Tripea (Vallehermoso Market) led by chef Roberto Martínez Foronda and the renowned pollero Higinio Gómez. With this action, Avianza, through the Aves de España seal, continues to show the quality of chicken, turkey and quail and advocate for the choice of Spanish poultry products on the main shelves and national markets. This new action in the Vallehermoso Market joins the rest of the gastronomic events that Aves de España is developing in different spaces and with renowned chefs.

    The objective of «Birds of Spain» is to show citizens the commitment of Spanish farmers and producers to food security, sustainability and animal welfare. That is why, for this occasion, it will have the participation of Higinio Gómez, a supplier of poultry and game recognized in the world of haute cuisine. With more than five decades of experience, it supplies numerous Michelin-starred restaurants with products of the highest quality. Its stall in the Vallehermoso Market has become a reference, offering everything from simple chicken breast fillets to Scottish grouse for the most demanding chefs. His commitment to excellence and his passion for gastronomy have made him a fundamental name in the sector.

    Tripea, a gastronomic reference in the capital and the most personal project of Roberto Martínez Foronda, has been the setting where dishes have been prepared that stood out for their originality and flavor, such as candied and fried artichoke with peanut sauce and roast chicken, béarnaise huacatay, cured meat, pickled red onion, sansho pepper and lime; chicken chili croquette and botija olive cream; and, finally, quail stewed in massaman curry sauce, saffron and palo Cortado, accompanied by Robuchon puree with Chinese five spices, offering a first-class gastronomic experience.

    The stamp “Birds of Spain” continues its promotional work in various municipal markets in Madrid, highlighting the importance of consuming local products and
    quality. This initiative seeks to continue strengthening the link between producers, chefs and consumers, always offering quality and commitment guaranteed not only by the Spanish origin of the birds and their products, but also by traceability and transparency throughout the production cycle.

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    Aves de España and Marta Verona continue to highlight the properties of poultry meat at the Educate with foundation symposium

    • The chef and nutritionist carried out a cooking show at this educational meeting that is bringing together families, teachers and directors of private schools from all over Spain at the school. brains from Madrid 
    • More than a hundred attendees have been able to taste the nutritious chicken and turkey dishes and discover the benefits of this white meat within the framework of an educational meeting where nutrition at school age is also taking center stage.

    Madrid, July 2, 2024.– Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, wanted to highlight the Poultry of Spain by carrying out a cooking show with the help of the renowned chef and nutritionist, Marta Verona, at the innovation symposium, Educate with Foundation, which is taking place at school brains from Madrid. This educational meeting brings together families, teachers, directors of private schools from all over Spain, as well as professionals in different areas that have an impact on the school stage. As has been the case of María Puy del Portillo, Scientific Director of the CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), who participated in a round table with other professionals such as Javier Urra. Precisely, after this debate, the showcooking was held where Marta, in addition to preparing succulent chicken and turkey dishes, recalled the great nutritional contribution of poultry meat and highlighted the quality of the national product.

    Poultry meat is an important source of high-quality proteins, vitamins (B3 and B6), with little caloric load and cholesterol. This white meat is a pillar of the Mediterranean diet and healthy eating. With high digestibility, it provides phosphorus, iron and potassium and, in addition, contains essential amino acids for our body.

    Furthermore, Spain is in the top three European producers of poultry meat, with 750 million birds produced per year and 40,000 professionals linked to the sector. Las Aves de España generates a business volume of more than 2.3 billion euros annually, with a mission: to provide healthy, accessible and quality food for people.

    Attendees were able to receive a master class on the tastiest and most nutritious options for cooking chicken and turkey and tasted a Taco of Caesar salad with cold cuts turkey home and continued savoring the chili pepper chicken with huasacaca.

    With its presence at this educational symposium, Avianza wants to continue promoting the Aves de España seal, the result of the commitment of the Spanish poultry sector to quality, sustainability and food safety. This time in an environment as transcendental as childhood and education, where establishing good eating habits is essential for future nutritional development.

    Marta Verona during the workshop in Educate with Foundation.
    A moment of the tasting at school brains.
    Jordi Montfort, general secretary of Avianza together with Marta Verona and Candy Hernández, director of the school Brains.
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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.