Andalusia

Andalusia is the second European region in terms of agricultural production, with more than 300,000 farmers and 5,400 agro-industries and where irrigation is key to develop the agriculture. The Andalusian agrifood sector is diverse, technological and dynamic. The maincrops are olive, frutales y herbáceos and livestock and fisheries.

Different labels guarantee the quality of Andalusian products as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) with which foods whose quality, characteristics or reputation are linked to a specific geographical origin are designated; also the Traditional Specialties Guaranteed (ETG), which cover foods with specific characteristics derived from the method of preparation, as well as Ecological Production and Integrated Production, mentions that refer to the use of a production system that is respectful of the environment to obtain covered food.

The agrarian production represents 24,78% of the Spanish agrarian production and 3,04% regarding the EU one. The agrifood industry is 20% of the total industry sector of the región and Spain is the third largest agribusiness in the EU, behind Italy and France.

It can be defined as a highly competitive sector, with an exporting quote of 61.7% and also it is the first world power in olive oil production (40.4% of the world total). The EU is the first market for Andalusian exports and at the same time the main supplier of agrifood imports made by Andalusia.

The government published in July 2014 the research and innovation smartspecialization strategy (RIS3) of the region, the so called “Estrategia de Innovación de Andalucía 2014-2020, RIS3 Andalucía”. Research and Development agroindustry and nutrition is one the priorities set. Their action lines are focused on:

• Quality, traceability and food safety.
• Functional and personalised food.
• New opportunities regarding blue and green economy.
• Innovation in processes and products of the agrifood industries.

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