Baza danych projektów PROW
Investing in ham curing facilities, strengthening agri-food environments
Summary
The project invested in ham curing installations and equipment in order to add value to production. It is part of a wider agri-food project in the Teruel province, dealing with the whole food production process from raw material to final packaging.
Background
The Airesano ham production company is a member of the "Cereales Teruel" cooperative, which runs major food and agriculture rural development projects in the region aimed at adding value to raw material produced at local level. It is committed to improving regional quality and to differentiating product ranges through environmentally friendly production methods. The ham curing factory complements the regional livestock activities and the whole cycle from breeding to the final marketed product.
Objective
With a view to strengthening the regional agri-food environment, the specific objectives of the project were to: i) improve and rationalise processing and marketing processes in ham curing, and; ii) apply new technologies.
Main activities
The project involved the purchase of equipment for curing ham with a capacity of 290,000 pieces / year, refurbishment of the processing factory, construction of chambers for the final stages of the ham curing process, expansion of storage rooms with a capacity for 90,000 hams, construction of rooms for bone removal, ham cutting and packaging. Investments were also made in transport platforms, refurbishment of refrigeration installations, sewage treatment and exterior restoration of the building.
Results & Benefits
The facilities were significantly upgraded and modern technologies were adopted. The project has instilled dynamism in the agri-food sector of Teruel; the benefits of the investment are shared amongst the 1,500 farmers of the cooperative. As a result of the project 40,000 tons of cereal were produced (foodstuff for the livestock destined to ham production), 210 direct and 70 indirect employment posts created.
Lessons learnt
A key success factor for the cooperative society is the strive for added value in the whole process, from the production of cereal for the livestock destined to ham production to the final curing and packaging of ham. In addition, personal commitment to quality agri-food production, including financial commitment, has been crucial for carrying out a whole package of value added investments.
Project location and other information
La Puebla de Valverde, Comarca de Gúdar-Javalambre, Province of Teruel
Region
Aragón
RDP Territory
Aragón
Total project cost (€)
9 510 544
EAFRD contribution (€)
523 080
National contribution (€)
1 616 792
Private contribution (€)
7 370 672
Project website
Contact name
Fernando Calvo Tejedor
Telephone
+34 976 714 695
Languages for contact
Spanish
At a glance
Country
Spain
Final beneficiary type
Producer groups
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
8/10/2007
End Date:
15/11/2008
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
123. Adding value to agricultural and forestry products
Keywords:
Added-value, Food quality , Pigs, Infrastructure, Meat
Last update
31/07/2012