Problem in sight with one of the emblems of Spanish gastronomy after a news that we told a few weeks ago here that led to concern. It is necessary the protection of the Iberian pig Spanish by means of a stamp in front of the elaboration in United States of your own ham with said pig breed imported from Spain? We still do not know what the impact that this could have in the near or medium-term future for the national sector, but the worrying thing goes beyond the American initiative. Next we analyze what would be the threats for our industry and why it is essential take actions before the matter is out of control.
The exclusivity of the breed
Put in context, we remember that el ham Iberian produced in the territory of Trump It already began to be a reality two years ago when two companies from there began to open that path. That possibility has materialized in this year 2020 and the Iberian Swine Association for exploitation in the United States. Until six companies They have joined her to raise it in conditions similar to those of our Spanish pastures. All thanks to the importation of the Spanish autochthonous breed which heads to the United States, although later the hams are not raised and produced with absolutely all the characteristics of the product in Spain. We could speak of reasonable similarities, but not identical.
However, despite this last aspect, the sector asks the protection of the Iberian pig for being his exclusiveness of our country. Although race cannot be related to a specific nation, a Protected Geographical Indication it would help a lot to protect this animal. Its purity is exclusive Spanish. Not only that, it is linked to the unique territory of the pasture, an ecosystem that cannot be imitated in other countries, no matter how many efforts. For these reasons, the organization that brings together all Spanish pork producers Iberian (asici) should look after the interests. Both from farmers and from the ham itself that is made in Spain. Make it clear that they cannot take away our precious food!
Two compelling reasons for the protection of the Iberian pig
Although there is free competition and freedom for any company to embark on the production of any product, precisely for this first reason it should be promoted the protection of the Iberian pig. The United States is an already very real example of what can happen in other parts of the globe. What if other Spanish businessmen living in another European country decide imitate this business also importing the Iberian pig breed? If they find the geographical conditions adequate, in addition to other aspects necessary for its production, the play could be repeated. This would pose an even greater threat to Spanish sovereignty. If there is an important market share taken over by Spain in the sale of these hams….
Along the same lines, another reason to protect our pig has to do with the impact of message and marketing. That which those American producers use, continuing with the example. They could convince American consumers that their Iberico ham is identical quality to Spanish. Aspects such as the ecosystem, feeding the pig with acorns, traceability or healing differentiate the product that is obtained in our borders. But if the taste is ok and good, those particularities may not matter to the buyer. It would be negative for our industry because the United States would also enter the Iberian market in this way, assuming a competitor for sales in other countries.
What is Aisci's response?
While the companies Acornseekers and Iberian Pastures, to cite two examples, they have taken advantage of the business opportunity they have seen, the President of Asici, Antonio Prieto, has taken a first step forward. In statements to the string cope, He stated the following: "We are working on ensuring that the Iberian name can only be used with products that come out of the Iberian Peninsula." It also admits the cruel reality that "we can't compete with globalization, but we can compete" with that badge.
Should major efforts be made to achieve PGI? It would be validated and granted for our native pig? It is clear that if it is not tried, we will never know, as external threats begin to emerge. Spanish ranchers and producers could suffer dire consequences. It is time to act to the protection of the Iberian pig.
