b'Innovation and Relationships Grow in BarcelonaAs ISF prepares for the World Seed Congress in Barcelona, its time to put the spotlight on the Spanish seed sector.Alex MartinWHEN YOU THINKof the Spanish seed industry, whatsBehind tourism, the food industry is the one of the larg-the first thing you think of? For Eduard Fito, the first thingest industry in Spain, contributing 10.6% to GDP and 14.2% that comes to mind is a multitude of produce. to employment according to Statistica. In addition, Spain is Spain is famous in all of Europe for being one of the majorreported to have more than 17 million hectares of farmland, product producersits a place where you can get almost allwhich is about 13% of the EUs total area and 750,000 farmers. vegetables year-round, Fito, past president of the InternationalWhile there might be a few issues in Spains agriculture sector, Seed Federation (ISF) and president at Semillas Fit.including seed piracy, its not an issue that is isolated to Spain.The only region that can compare, according to Fito, is Sicily,Were improving our indicators due to a very well-organized though he says once spring is in full swing, its no competitionseed association and were putting in mechanisms to monitor the who the stronger vegetable producer is.infractions, Fito says. Theres a lot of time and devotion given to Among the vegetables, Spain is known for peppers andimprove the situation. tomatoes from the Almeria region above all, he says.The Spanish agriculture industry will continue to improve, The rich Barcelona seed industry is why ISF wanted to hostFito predicts, especially as an influx of seed companies begin to their World Seed Congress there after two years without an in- move breeding stations to Spain.person conference. Not only that, but Fito says Barcelona offersTheres an atmosphere of talented professionals in Spain other things as well: its beauty! thats difficult to find elsewhere, he says. The knowledge and But when it comes down to it, the Spanish seed industry isinnovation in Spain is increasing, and thats really exciting.expansive and goes hand in hand with another topic ISF is tack-ling diversity in seed. Connecting Together AgainWhile May might not be the opportune time to see field trials, A Mature and Diverse Industry Fito says its the best time to make connections. Fito says the best way to describe the Spanish seed industry isIts dry between the two seasons in Spain, but because of with one word: mature.that, its the best moment to talk to people and explore opportu-Its an important market for vegetables, as we mentioned,nities, he says. Especially companies not operating in Europe.but theres a lot of Asian companies poking their heads in theBut, whether youre in Europe or out of the continent, Fito market to see about its investment opportunities, he says.believes itll be fantastic to connect again at the Congress.Itll be an excellent opportunity for us all to start getting in contact again to find new opportunities, he says. Its great to keep in contact with the people you already know, but in person is where you will meet new people that you might not have the opportunity to connect with.The weather in May is excel-lent, and its my favorite month in Barcelona, he says. Meeting at the Congress here will be an excellent opportunity for the global seed industry.SW8/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2022'