The Diplomat
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, Luis Planas, and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Ecuador, Danilo Palacios, with the presence of the Ambassador of Ecuador, Wilma Adrade, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) consolidating a new phase of strategic cooperation between the two countries in agricultural and rural development.
During the event, Minister Planas highlighted the shared desire to promote innovation, sustainability and development in the agri-food sector through concrete actions that will benefit both Ecuadorian and Spanish farmers: “The agreement represents a very important step forward in relations between Spain and Ecuador,” said Planas, who highlighted the potential of Ecuador to increase its agri-food production.
For his part, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Ecuador expressed his gratitude to the Government of Spain for this great step that will allow both countries “to grow together in the challenges and objectives set”.
The Ambassador of Ecuador to Spain, Wilma Andrade, thanked the openness of the Spanish government to carry out this potential cooperation and stressed that this agreement is the result of several months of joint work between the technical teams of both ministries and the Ecuadorian Embassy in Spain. “The exchange of experiences in agricultural insurance farmers, essential to protect the rural sector from climate risks, and the strengthening of the agricultural cooperative system, successful model in Spain and reference for the European Union, which we seek to adapt to the Ecuadorian context”, said the ambassador.
The areas of cooperation established include the design of agricultural insurance systems and climate risk management, in which Spain will contribute its consolidated experience; the exchange of technical know-how on sustainable production models; ecological certification and management of genetic resources; the efficient management of water resources and irrigated agriculture, through new technologies; and the promotion of agrarian associationism and agro-food products.
This agreement, which enters into force upon its signature, is projected as a lasting alliance that will further strengthen the historical, cultural and economic ties between Ecuador and Spain, boosting rural development and agricultural innovation together.
