La Federación Española de Asociaciones de Productores Exportadores de Frutas, Hortalizas, Flores y Plantas Vivas (FEPEX) will hold its 67th Assembly next Thursday, February 26th in Valencia to define the sector's strategy in the face of the new PAC, the pressure from imports from third countries and the increase in production costs in España.
The meeting will take place in the Edificio CajamarIt will bring together the main representatives of producer associations from key regions such as the Comunidad Valenciana, Andalucía, Murcia, Cataluña, Extremadura, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, La Rioja y NavarraThe opening will be handled by Cecilio Peregrín, President of FEPEX, and Francisco Martínez IbáñezCommercial director Cajamar.
Strategic axes: CAP, Plant Regulations and Markets
One of the central points will be the analysis of "The new PAC, the economic aspects," taught by Ignacio Atance, director of the Studies Service of the Fundación Grupo Cajamar. Atance will detail the "radical shift" that the new "Country Plans"These replace traditional strategic plans, directly affecting the regulation and financing of producer organizations.
In the field of plant health, Carlos Palomar, CEO AEPLA, will examine the availability of plant protection tools under the new package Omnibus Food&Feed from the Unión EuropeaThis regulation is vital to maintaining crop health in the face of increasing EU regulatory restrictions.
| Key Indicator | Data / Impact |
|---|---|
| Export to Europe | 96% of the total exported by Spain |
| Date of the Assembly | Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
| Location | Paseo de la Alameda 34, Valencia |
| Critical Cost Factor | Minimum wage increase (approved by the Council of Ministers) |
Labor challenges and external competitiveness
Labor policy will occupy a prominent place with the intervention of Rosa Santos, Director of Employment at CEOEwho will analyze the impact of the recent rise in Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI) in the cost structure of agricultural holdings. This wage increase adds to the concern about the labor availability qualified in the sector.
On the other hand, competitiveness in the community market faces structural challenges:
- European Dependence: 96% of fruit and vegetable exports depend on domestic demand UE.
- Pressure from Third Countries: Luis MartínThe federation's technical director will explain how the influx of non-EU productions creates competitive disadvantages.
- Logistics and Distribution: Ignacio Antequera, director of FEPEXIt will address the complex dynamics of negotiation with large European distribution chains.
The closing ceremony of the event will be attended by Miguel Barrachina, Minister of Agriculture, Water, Livestock and Fisheries of the Generalitat Valenciana, and María José Sánchez, director of Fruit Attraction, fair that together with Cajamar sponsors this key event for the internationalization of the sector.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the FEPEX Assembly
How important is the European market for the Spanish sector?
It is the absolute reference destination, as it absorbs 96% of Spanish fruit and vegetable exports, in addition to being the main recipient of flowers and plants.
How does the new CAP affect producers?
It represents a change of model towards the so-called "Country Plans", which will transform the regulation and financing methods of fruit and vegetable producer organizations.
What are the main threats to competitiveness according to the sector?
Three critical factors are identified: the growing competition from third countries with lower costs, the restrictions on plant protection products due to EU regulations, and the increase in labor costs resulting from the rise in the minimum wage.
Any questions about this news?
Talk to Coexia, the AI of the foreign trade
