The feed industry in Aragón stands as a fundamental pillar for the livestock sector, as highlighted by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food of the Government of Aragón, Javier Rincón, during his visit to the Piensos Mazana facilities in Binéfar. Accompanied by Aitziber Lanza, General Director of Quality and Food Safety, Rincón emphasized the contribution of this industry to the economic and rural development of the region.
Strategic Importance of the Feed Industry
Javier Rincón underscored the crucial role of the feed industry within the agri-food chain, emphasizing its commitment to quality and food safety. During his visit to Piensos Mazana, the minister was able to closely observe the manufacturing processes and the rigorous controls implemented from the reception of raw materials. These practices ensure production that is not only safe and efficient but also aligned with animal welfare and sustainability regulations. Rincón emphasized that these industries are essential for maintaining the competitiveness of the pig sector in Aragón.
Challenges Posed by African Swine Fever
The minister expressed his concern regarding the management of African swine fever (ASF) by the Ministry of Agriculture, particularly regarding the lack of information and coordination. With 18 new cases reported in Catalonia, Rincón called for transparency and the need to receive accurate information to effectively protect the Aragonese livestock sector.
Relevance of Piensos Mazana in Aragonese Production
Piensos Mazana stands out as one of the main integrators in Aragón, operating with 455 fattening farms and a census of nearly 1.5 million fattening places, positioning it as the second largest integrator in terms of volume in the region. Additionally, it has 45 breeding farms housing 105,000 breeding animals. Its activities are mainly concentrated in Huesca, although it also has a presence in Zaragoza, Teruel, and Navarra.
Aragón is the second-largest feed-producing community in Spain, having produced 5.94 million tons in 2024, which represents 15.3% of the national total. The pig sector leads production with 4.16 million tons, followed by poultry and cattle. Furthermore, the region is notable for its production of medicinal feeds and additives, significantly contributing to the national volume.
