Our Project Team Conducted Its Final Study Visit in Spain

Within the scope of the “Technical Assistance Project for Increasing the Awareness of Farmers and Food Processors on IPARD Supports, EU Environmental and Hygiene Standards”, the final study visit was carried out in Madrid, Spain, between 17–21 June 2019. The purpose of the visit was to consult with relevant institutions and to examine the latest developments and practices in hygiene, animal welfare, and environmental legislation in EU Member States.

During the visit, meetings were held with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, the Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers (UPA), the National Interprofessional Dairy Organisation (INLAC), and various agricultural enterprises. These meetings provided detailed information on the Ministry’s structure and operations, as well as on the procedures for benefiting from EU and national funds under rural development supports. Discussions with associations and professional organizations enabled the assessment of implementation practices, challenges, and best practices from the perspectives of policymakers, implementers, and sector representatives.

Additionally, visits were conducted to dairy farms, dairy production facilities, red meat slaughterhouses, and meat processing plants. The level of compliance of these facilities with EU legislation was observed on-site, and the challenges encountered and examples of good practices were evaluated in detail.