Josep Puxeu stressed the importance of the livestock sector for the future of the whole of Spain, by providing safe and quality food, creating wealth and employment, supporting a food industry which is increasingly competitive and contributing to sustainable rural development.

Thus, Mr Puxeu highlighted the commitment of ranching, implemented in Extremadura, with principles such as environment, animal welfare, research, technological innovation, increased added value and distribution between the various links in the food chain, incorporated into the sector as part of its ongoing modernisation process.

It has also emphasised that the Administration and the industry must pave the future to promote the consumption of traditional products from pork and linked to the pasture. It has therefore placed emphasis on food promotion campaigns and consistent quality schemes.

Josep Puxeu has also stressed regulatory changes produced in the sheep sector, with total decoupling of aid in 2010 and the conviction that we should put in the hands of producers, the real stars, the future of the livestock.

Similarly, Josep Puxeu has emphasised the current model of extensive farms in areas of pasture, a model which will be directed towards the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

In this regard, the Secretary of State for Rural Water has emphasised that a PAC is basic to the mechanisms and resources to achieve its objectives and that clearly reflects the importance and wealth of the Spanish food sector. In addition, the CAP must continue structured around two pillars on which the first, direct payments, keep your community and funding not only increase the national co-financing effort for the second pillar, rural development.

It is also important that the CAP is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to potential market crises.

Also participating in the event were, the mayor of Zafra, Gloria Pons, the president of the Parliament of Extremadura, Fernando J. Manzano, the government delegate in Extremadura, Carmen Pereira and Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment and Energy of the Junta de Extremadura, José Antonio Echávarri, among other officials.