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The Department of Rural Development and Environment of the Government of Navarre and EROSKI have signed their first collaboration agreement to boost the competitiveness and development of Navarre’s agri-food sector. The agreement, valid until 2029, represents a step forward in the food distribution cooperative’s commitment to generating local wealth and establishes a framework for joint work aimed at strengthening Navarre’s agri-food production—with an emphasis on products protected by quality and origin designations—promoting innovation and sustainability in the sector, and fostering the growth of producers and businesses. Currently, the cooperative already works with 186 commercial suppliers in Navarre, with a purchase volume exceeding €200 million annually.

The signing of the agreement took place in Pamplona and was presided over by the Regional Minister for Rural Development and the Environment, José María Aierdi, and the CEO of the EROSKI Group, Rosa Carabel. Also participating were Asier Guridi, Commercial Director of Local Products at Eroski, and Natalia Bellostas, Managing Director of INTIA. The event was held within the framework of a meeting with some fifty stakeholders from the sector, including local suppliers, industry associations, and institutional representatives.

The CEO of the EROSKI Group, Rosa Carabel, emphasized that “this agreement reflects our commitment to dedicating all of EROSKI’s resources to the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of the Navarrese agri-food sector. Supporting local businesses is a way to build community and generate a real impact on our environment. As a cooperative, our commitment is to create shared value with both producers and consumers, strengthening our connection with rural communities.”

For his part, the Minister of Rural Development and the Environment, José María Aierdi, highlighted the strategic importance of the agri-food sector for Navarre, which represents 6.5% of the region’s GDP, comprises more than 1,200 companies with deep roots in the territory, and generates around 30,000 jobs. Aierdi emphasized that “at a time when the European agri-food model is experiencing a critical moment due to various overlapping crises, our products must compete on environmental and social factors, quality, and health, because that is what distinguishes us and gives us our identity. And to achieve this, it is essential to forge and strengthen alliances among all the links in the agri-food value chain.”

Complete news: argenpapa.com.ar/noticia/17400-