Provincial Deputy Noemí Aguirre emphasized that the mission allowed farmers to "see firsthand how other European territories are addressing issues that are also part of our agricultural agenda." The group has brought "ideas, references, and learnings" back to Alava, which will need to be analyzed in light of the territory's productive reality.
Aguirre described the mission as "very practical," involving visits to cooperatives, applied research centers, and institutional representatives. "It's not about copying models, but about learning from successful experiences, contrasting them with local farmers, and evaluating which elements can help us continue modernizing our primary sector," she added.
The first part of the trip took place in the Netherlands, with visits to Agrico and HZPC, international leaders in seed potatoes, varietal improvement, and sector organization. There, the delegation explored models related to producer cooperation, certification, technical advice, agronomic innovation, marketing, and the development of new varieties adapted to different productive and market conditions.
The central part of the journey was in Flanders (Belgium), including visits to Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt in Sint-Katelijne-Waver and Via Verda in Destelbergen. Both centers specialize in practical research, demonstration, and knowledge transfer to the producer sector.
At Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt, the group learned about horticultural production, cultivation systems, water management, irrigation trials, and the search for solutions tailored to the real needs of farms. The visit underscored the importance of connecting research, technical advice, and agricultural practice to enhance crop productivity and sustainability.
Aguirre highlighted the visit's particular relevance for Alava, stating, "efficient water management is one of the major present and future challenges for our farms." She concluded, "Learning how other territories work in irrigation, trials, and technical advice helps us broaden our perspective and strengthen our own strategies."
