Andalusia's position in EU decision-making
La Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has consolidated its position on the international agri-food map by actively integrating into four major European lobbies (AREFLH, Agriregion, AREPO and AREVThis strategy seeks to defend the interests of the Andalusian countryside and influence EU regulations such as CAP and ensure the profitability of regional producers.
Through diplomatic and technical work in these organizations, the regional administration places the quality of regional products at the center of the European debate, acting as a direct interlocutor with the community institutions.
Andalusian Presidency in the European Fruit and Vegetable Sector (AREFLH)
One of the most relevant milestones in this institutional internationalization strategy is leadership in the Assembly of European Fruit and Vegetable Regions (AREFLH)The Minister of Agriculture, Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco, holds the presidency of this body representing the Andalusian Government since April 2025, with a mandate valid for the next three years.
This assembly is key to defending the interests of the fruit and vegetable sector against critical regulations. Among its main functions is its role in facilitating dialogue regarding the proposal of the new regulations. Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and participation in high-level forums to support the sector.
| Technical Data Sheet: Assembly of European Fruit and Vegetable Regions (AREFLH) | |
|---|---|
| Representativeness | 16 European regions and 28 producer associations. |
| President's office | Andalucía (Ramón Fernández-Pacheco). |
| Regional Members (Spain) | Andalusia, Valencia and Catalonia. |
| Producer Organizations (Spain) | Coexpahal (Andalusia), Proexport (Murcia) and afrucat (Catalonia). |
Strategic alliances for food sovereignty: Agriregion
At the same time, Andalusia maintains a very active participation in the European Coalition of Agricultural Regions (Agriregion)This lobby brings together territories that represent a substantial part of the European Union's productive capacity.
As Fernández-Pacheco explained: “Since Agriregion We advocate for a stronger and more strategic agriculture in the European Union, since the agri-food sector is a guarantor of the sovereignty, sustainability and food security in Europe.” The advisor emphasizes that to achieve this status it is imperative to ensure the profitability of farmers through an improved proposal for the next CAP.
| Indicator | Data from Agriregion (EU Impact) |
|---|---|
| Scope | 20 regions from 7 Member States. |
| Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA) | More than 23% of the EU total. |
| holdings | 12% of EU farms. |
| Population represented | 18% of the EU population. |
| Spanish Participation | AndalucíaExtremadura and Castile and León. |
Defense of Differentiated Quality and the Wine Sector
The Regional Ministry's strategy is complemented by its presence in organizations dedicated to the protection of quality designations and wine. Andalusia holds the vice-presidency of the Association of European Regions of PDO Products (AREPO), position held through the Confederation of Designations of Origin of Andalusia (CADO).
Likewise, the Andalusian Government is present in the Assembly of European Wine Regions (AREV), an organization with a reach that transcends the borders of the European Union, defending the interests of key wine-growing regions.
Participation in these organizations allows Andalusia to:
- protect the Denominations of Origin and differentiated quality.
- To influence market regulations and labeling.
- Promoting the interests of wine-growing regions in the face of global competition.
| Organism | AREPO (PDO Products) | AREV (Winegrower) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | 35 regions (8 States) and >850 associations. | 41 regions in 15 countries (including Bosnia and Ukraine). |
| Weight in the sector | >60% of European geographical indications. | Wine-growing regions of 13 EU States + 2 Eastern European States. |
| Role of Andalusia | vice presidency (via CADO). | Active member. |
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Andalusian presence in Europe
What role does Andalusia play in the AREFLH assembly?
Since April 2025, Councilor Ramón Fernández-Pacheco has held the presidency of AREFLHIts function is to defend the interests of the fruit and vegetable sector before European institutions, especially regarding EU regulations and the new CAP.
What is Agriregion and why is it important?
It is the European Coalition of Agricultural Regions, which brings together regions with more than 23% of the EU's usable agricultural land. Andalusia participates in it to defend the food sovereignty and demand a strategic and profitable agriculture in Europe.
In what other specific sectors does the Ministry have influence?
In addition to the fruit and vegetable sector and general agriculture, Andalusia has a significant presence in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) sector through its vice-presidency of AREPO and in the wine sector through the AREV, which includes regions both inside and outside the EU.
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