- Vega Baja del Segura leads Alicante province with over 40,000 hectares dedicated to agriculture.
- Citrus fruits, especially lemon, orange, and mandarin, dominate more than 25,000 hectares.
- Artichoke, almond, and broccoli cultivation highlights the region’s agricultural diversity.
- The local agriculture sector contributes significantly to the economy, landscape conservation, and rural population retention.
- Protected products like Alcachofa de la Vega Baja and Granada Mollar de Elche hold national and international quality recognition.
agriculture in Vega Baja del Segura: The Heart of Alicante’s Cultivation sector
In celebration of World Agriculture day (September 9), the Consorcio para el desarrollo Económico de la Vega Baja del Segura (Convega) has spotlighted the vital role the agricultural sector plays in this southeastern Spanish comarca. Commonly referred to as ”the orchard of Europe,” the Vega Baja del Segura leads the province of Alicante in cultivated land and agricultural output, underscoring its importance both regionally and nationally.
Vega Baja del Segura: A Leader in Agricultural Surface area
According to the latest Informe del Sector Agrario Valenciano (2024),the region boasts more than 40,000 hectares of land devoted to farming. This accounts for nearly 30% of all cultivated land in alicante province, making Vega Baja the agricultural powerhouse of the area.
| crop | Hectares Cultivated | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| citrus Fruits | 25,000+ | Dominated by lemon (14,609 ha.), orange (6,240 ha.), mandarin (3,741 ha.) |
| artichoke & Broccoli | 3,000+ | Over half of Alicante’s vegetable production is from Vega baja |
| Almond | 2,092 | Key fruit tree with cultural importance |
| Pomegranate | 931 | Protected Denomination of Origin (DOP) – Granada Mollar de Elche |
| Other Crops | 500+ each | Potatoes, lettuce, melon, alfalfa among others |
Key Agricultural Products in the region
Citrus fruits dominate the landscape, with lemons leading the pack, followed by oranges and mandarins, collectively comprising more than 70% of the province’s citrus plantations.
The area is also renowned for its artichokes and broccoli, which together cover over 3,000 hectares and represent a major share of the vegetable production in Alicante.
Among fruit trees,almonds and pomegranates are meaningful. The latter is especially notable for being certified under the Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) Granada Mollar de Elche, a quality seal ensuring recognized standards and boosting export potential.
Agriculture as a Cultural and Economic Pillar
Carlos Pastor, President of Convega and Provincial Deputy for Economic Development, emphasizes that the region’s farming practices and irrigation systems form an identifying hallmark of Vega Baja. Moreover, he highlights the agricultural sector’s multifaceted role:
- Driving economic growth and job creation.
- Maintaining and conserving the comarca’s unique landscapes.
- Preventing rural depopulation by sustaining livelihoods.
“agriculture is more than just an economic engine,” Pastor states.”It is a legacy forged by centuries of hard work by our farmers, deserving recognition especially on World Agriculture Day.”
High-Quality Products with international Recognition
Beyond quantity, the quality of Vega Baja’s produce stands out. Some local products have earned national and global acclaim, such as:
- Artichoke of the Vega Baja del Segura
- Breva of Albatera
- Ñora pepper of Guardamar del Segura
- Pomegranate Mollar de Elche (DOP certified)
These specialized products not only enhance the region’s market value but also promote its customary agricultural heritage worldwide.
Innovation and Sustainability in Vega Baja Agriculture
The Vega Baja del Segura region also fosters collaboration between:
- Research groups from the Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela (Universidad Miguel Hernández)
- Agro-food companies
- Public administration entities
This synergy propels sustainability, innovation, and competitive growth, ensuring that agriculture remains a strategic foundation for the comarca’s economic and social development.
Conclusion
Vega Baja del Segura stands as a shining example of agricultural success in Alicante, blending tradition with modernity.The robust cultivation of citrus, artichokes, almonds, and vegetables such as broccoli reflects the diversity and strength of its farming industry. Supported by targeted research and protected product designations, the region not only feeds markets locally and abroad but also preserves a cultural identity deeply rooted in the land and its people.
As Convega and local authorities continue to champion agriculture through promotion, education, and lasting practices, Vega Baja del Segura ensures a prosperous, green future for generations to come.
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Sources:
Info Vega Baja – Agrarian Report
Informe del Sector Agrario Valenciano 2024 (Summary)
Universidad Miguel Hernández – Agricultural Research