The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, José Luis Aguirre, highlighted "the dynamism and export potential of the flower and plant sector of the Valencian Community" during a visit to Iberflora, the International Plant and Flower Fair, Technology and Bricojardí, which takes place between October 3 and 5 at the Fira Valencia facilities.
The event brings together a total of 408 firms that present the offer of the flowers and plants sector, and has a special focus on ornamental plants, technological applications and products in the field of gardening.
Together with the councillor, the general director of Agricultural Production and Livestock, Leticia Sanchiz, and the general director of Industry and the Agri-Food Chain, Inmaculada Marco, attended.
During his visit, Aguirre pointed out that "there are more and more companies and associations that want to come, and from the Ministry, and the organizers, we are trying to keep growing and continue to be a reference for plant producers and the rural environment ".
In addition, the councilor has also emphasized the strength of the sector and its orientation towards the foreign market, which has positioned the Valencian Community as an autonomy with great export potential.
In the same way, José Luis Aguirre has referred to the projection of Iberflora as the fair of national and international reference in the sector, and has remarked that it is an excellent platform for companies and buyers as a space for international trade exchanges. In this sense, it should be remembered that around 26% of the exhibitors participating in Iberflora 2023 are foreigners.
Exports of flowers and live plants from the Valencian Community reached a value of 163.1 million euros in 2022. Between January and July 2023, they already reach 131.6 million euros.
The main buyers of these Valencian products abroad are, first of all, in France; followed at a distance by Germany and the Netherlands, and with a lower amount, Italy and Belgium.
The Valencian Community has an area of 2,204 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants, from which a production of 118.5 million dozen is obtained. Production in 2022 obtained a value of 418.6 million euros.