A diverse group from Germany, the US, Belgium, New Zealand, and beyond were able to visit a goat farm and cheese factory and a livestock farm
A reverse trade mission organized by ICEX and RFEAGAS, Spain’s Royal Federation of Purebred Livestock Associations, recently drew to a close. The mission was organized in parallel with the 2023 ICAR conference, which was held in Toledo from May 21st to the 26th and aimed to address improvements in livestock breeding and farm animal genetics.
The objective of the trade mission was to reinforce the industry’s international sales and marketing and to help internationalize the Spanish economy. The 11 mission participants came from Germany, Belgium, New Zealand, the US, Tunisia, and China.
During ICAR 2023
During the fair, the participants enjoyed several special activities. This included a visit and cocktail reception at the El Greco Convention Center in Toledo. The following day, after lunch at the conference, the group attended a reception in the Center for Modern and Contemporary Art of Castile-La Mancha’s sculpture garden, home to the Roberto Polo collection. They were also able to visit the museum. They also had the chance taste local cuisine at some of the best restaurantes in the city.
After the Conference
Once the conference concluded, the 11 members of the trade mission were able to participate in 1 of 3 tours.
The first was called “A real case of farm-to-consumer: The Avileña Negra-Ibérica integrated system.”
The group left Toledo and traveled to the Finca Migas Malas livestock farm for a 1-hour tour. After that they headed to Ávila for lunch and to visit the ICAV cutting room. After the 30-minute visit, they got to see the Control Center in Riocabado.
The second tour departed Toledo and headed to the San Martin de La Vega goat farm. After their visit, which included the goat cheese factory, the group had lunch and returned to Madrid in the late afternoon.
The third was called "It is possible to produce milk in the dry Spain". The participants had the chance to visit the Interprofessional Milk Laboratory of Castilla-La Mancha (LILCAM). After that, they headed to two dairy farms, Rosado Hontanilla in Talavera de la Reina, and Granja Talavera in Alberche del Caudillo.