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Aguirre demands again that the central government take into account “the great drought that we are suffering” in the Valencian Community

Aguirre demands again that the central government take into account “the great drought that we are suffering” in the Valencian Community
The councilor attends the closing of the XXV Virgin Olive Oil Competition and the XIV Organic Virgin Olive Oil Competition 'Ciudad de Utiel'
The Minister of Agriculture has emphasised respect for organic production standards and that the consumer can recognize this type of oil in the market through the ecological logo of the European Union

The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, José Luis Aguirre, has highlighted the strength of olive cultivation, “which demonstrates its stoicism in the face of adversity, such as the great drought that we are suffering and for which we are fighting to be recognised by the Government of the nation and not ignored like last year.”

Aguirre, who attended the closing of the XXV Virgin Olive Oil Contest and the XIV 'Ciudad de Utiel' Organic Virgin Olive Oil Contest, stressed that "the olive tree is often produced in soils that are not capable of hosting other types." of crops, or on steep terrain, which if it were not for its roots would suffer erosion from wind and rain.”

The Minister of Agriculture has referred precisely to the lack of aid in his speech, to reiterate to the central Government to take into account the situation of extreme meteorological drought that the Valencian Community is suffering and to ask Brussels to activate the reserve funds. of crisis to grant aid, in order to alleviate the disastrous effects of this prolonged drought.

José Luis Aguirre has highlighted the firm commitment that Utiel shows when it comes to promoting and promoting local products such as olive oil, giving added value to organically produced oil, “recognizing its value, not only as a fundamental food in our Mediterranean diet, but also as an emblem of our culture and tradition.”

In the words of the councilor, “to take advantage of the pull and added value of organic production, and to be able to take advantage of its benefits for the farmer, what is necessary is that the consumer can trust that the rules of organic production are being respected and that can recognize it in the market through the unequivocal ecological logo of the European Union, the Euro leaf".

Thus he has indicated that "the primary sector plays a fundamental role in our local economy, for many areas, mainly those in the interior, and in those with greater physical limitations, due to their high altitude, steep slope, low rainfall, it becomes the "The best, and sometimes the only, possible crop and important elements depend on its survival, such as the maintenance of the rural population."

Aguirre has referred to the powerful park of oil mills distributed throughout the three provinces and which places it as the fourth Spanish region in oil production. “There is a clear commitment to quality, producing extra virgin and organic oils that show their special characteristics and that increasingly make it more difficult to award a distinction to the best.”

Finally, the councilor has valued the promotion of innovation and excellence in the production of virgin and organic olive oil and has committed to continue supporting and promoting initiatives that boost the primary sector and value the products of the Valencian Community. “Olive oil is part of our identity, and together we will work to preserve and promote it for future generations,” he stressed.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Aguirre demands again that the central government take into account “the great drought that we are suffering” in the Valencian Community

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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