Spain invests 8.4 mln euros to boost global presence of its food, gastronomy
BARCELONA, Spain, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Spain is investing 8.4 million euros (9.46 million U.S. dollars) in a fresh push to elevate its global standing in food and gastronomy through the sixth edition of its "Food Nation" initiative, authorities announced.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and Spain Export and Investment (ICEX) have signed a new cooperation agreement on Monday to fund the program through Sept. 30, 2026.
The agreement "broadens the initiative's reach to cover the foundation of the food chain, such as livestock and fish farming," Maria Naranjo, director of the food industry at ICEX, told Xinhua on Friday.
"We want a common agricultural policy for our farmers and our livestock breeders that is well-funded for the future and also has its own institutional personality," Agriculture Minister Luis Planas said in a Europe Day video message shared with Xinhua.
Originally launched in 2020, the "Food Nation" project aims to reinforce Spain's image as a global supplier of quality, safe, and trustworthy food, while cementing its reputation as a leader in world gastronomy.
The new edition will concentrate efforts on strategic markets such as China, Japan, Morocco and Mexico, while exploring new opportunities in Algeria and Serbia.
To support Spanish food companies further, the initiative will establish advisory councils to deliver targeted market intelligence in key countries including China, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
A central pillar of "Food Nation VI" will be the use of gastronomy as a vehicle for promotion. Two high-profile international campaigns -- Eat Spain, Drink Spain and Restaurants from Spain -- will target consumers in 15 countries. (1 euro = 1.13 U.S. dollar)
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