The Aragonese Government has taken a significant step towards establishing the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) ‘Cereza de Calatayud y del Aranda’. In a meeting held in Zaragoza, Vice President Alejandro Nolasco and the Minister of Agriculture, Arancha Simón, highlighted the strategic importance of the project, offering their support to initiate the processing this summer.
Boosting the PGI: A Key Meeting in Zaragoza
The meeting in Zaragoza gathered key figures from the Aragonese Government and the agricultural sector. Alejandro Nolasco and Arancha Simón met with Alberto Pérez Millán, president of the farmers’ association leading the initiative, and Gustavo Lázaro from the Interlázaro Group. Amparo Cuéllar, Director General of Innovation and Food Promotion, was also present, underscoring the institutional commitment to this project.
The focus of the meeting was to establish the groundwork for the creation of the PGI, considered a fundamental tool to enhance the quality and marketing of cherries in the Calatayud and Aranda regions. Nolasco emphasized that this is a «priority and strategic» project, while Simón offered all necessary support to expedite the procedures.
Economic Impact and Unique Characteristics of the Cherry
The cherry from Calatayud and Aranda has established itself as an agricultural product of significant economic relevance. With approximately 1,500 hectares of cultivation, about a hundred farmers and marketers are united in the association promoting the PGI. This initiative aims not only to improve the product’s quality but also to increase added value and incomes for the primary sector in these Aragonese regions.
The recognition of the quality of cherries from these areas is on the rise, thanks to their unique characteristics that distinguish them from other productions in Aragon and Spain. This recognition is key to the success of the PGI, which promises to strengthen the position of the cherry in both national and international markets.
Next Steps in the PGI Processing
The Aragonese Government has expressed its intention to accelerate the necessary administrative processes for the approval of the PGI. However, the European bureaucratic timelines could extend up to two years. In light of this reality, Minister Simón has urged the producers’ association to prepare the project documentation before July 30, in order to present it to the Ministry of Agriculture and the European Union.
As part of immediate actions, Simón and Cuéllar will visit the Calatayud region next Monday to gain firsthand insight into the sector and meet with representatives of the local fruit industry. This step underscores the Aragonese Government’s commitment to the development of this strategic initiative for the region.
