Almería is the tomato capital of the world. The data say so, but also the tradition that is breathed in the province. Due to this reason, the Almeria Tomato Week is being held, an event that serves to value this product and that premiered its programming this Monday with the visit of Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla and Fernando López Miras, presidents of the Junta de Andalucía and the Region of Murcia, respectively. Both went to the Paseo de Almería, the venue where the event is being held, to go through the microphones of 'Hoy por Hoy', on Cadena SER, where the Andalusian leader highlighted “the ambition to improve that has always characterized farmers from Almeria, whom we value very much for the great work they are doing, especially in such a difficult year”. López Miras, for his part, recognized that “the Region of Murcia and the province of Almería share a feeling for agriculture, with tradition, climatology, techniques or technology in common. That has led both of them to be what they are today in terms of economic data, employment and opportunities”.
Juanma Moreno with his solidarity tomato bag
“We must recognize every single day the great work that farmers have carried out in the toughest moments of the pandemic and solve the many problems they have. The farmer is a source of wealth, employment and well-being that is fundamental in Andalusia”, Moreno Bonilla underlined. In relation to this, López Miras added that “agriculture has been the most essential activity in the last year along with health. There was a time when the pandemic raged when there was never a food shortage. Thanks to the farmers we had vegetables and greens in Spain and Europe”.
Throughout the week, politicians and personalities from the agricultural sector are visiting the event to highlight the great work that is being carried out in the Almeria countryside.
Attendees at the event
More activities
But the program for this Almeria Tomato Week goes further. Under the slogan 'A different year, a different celebration!', the organization, which has had the collaboration of the Almería City Council, the Andalusian Government, the Almería Provincial Council or Grupo Cajamar, is offering the exhibition 'The Heroes of the Tomato' to honor those who have made it possible for Almería to be an international fruit and vegetable reference. In addition, there is a photo booth set for visitors to immortalize the moment.
Solidarity
One of the activities that is attracting the attention among the dozens of people from Almería who come to the center of the city of Almería these days has been the solidarity sale of tomatoes, with one-euro bags whose benefits will go to the ANDA Association (Association of Children with Disabilities of Almería). Companies such as Única Group, Vicasol, Biosabor, Coprohnijar, Agroponiente, Grupo La Caña, Hortamar, Balcón de Níjar, Caparrós Nature, Eurosol, Casi and La Unión have been the ones that have contributed their grain of sand to collaborate, with their products, for this cause. The organization is also carrying out drawing or toast contests that are held this year virtually, with the participation period already enabled.
Exhibition 'the heroes of the tomato'
These activities are being repeated throughout the week with the aim of highlighting the star product of the province even in an edition marked by the restrictions caused by the current health situation. It is a different year, but the purpose is the same. A week of celebration, vindication, and solidarity around the tomato.