INTERPERA
International Pear Congress
26-27 June 2024
Òbidos, Portugal
International Pear Congress
26-27 June 2024
Òbidos, Portugal
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The aim of Interpera congress is to bring together producers and international stakeholders from the sector around technical and economic themes.
The 2024 edition of the congress was co-organized by ANP and took place in Òbidos, in Portugal from 26-27 June 2024.
The 2024 edition of the congress was co-organized by ANP and took place in Òbidos, in Portugal from 26-27 June 2024.
Interpera 2024 records a particularly high attendance and receives backing from Portugal's agriculture minister
Interpera, the international pear congress, held this year in Portugal on 26 and 27 June, saw the largest number of participants in the last 10 years. Around 200 producers, researchers , national and international companies from the sector gathered in the Oeste region, the cradle of Rocha pear production, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of pear production, in a rare opportunity to network and exchange multicultural business experiences.
In addition to the Portuguese numerous participation, there was a large foreign delegation, with 9 countries represented: Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina and the United States.
The Portuguese Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, honoured the event with his presence, closing it with a message calling on all professionals to work together to meet the challenges facing the sector, and emphasising the need to promote and defend the Rocha pear, which represents Portuguese territory.
Mr Fernandes stated that "after a difficult campaign in 2023, mainly due to climate change which has affected the European productions, it is essential to invest in research to combat pests, cope with extreme weather and improve the commercial organisation of the sector".
Over the course of the two days, the other challenges and opportunities impacting the sector were discussed: European regulations, water use, soil health, marketing, the orchard of the future, diseases and pests.
Interpera has also analysed the past campaign and revealed the first figures and first trends for the 2024 pear harvest in Europe, with a clear setback for the next production season due to unstable weather conditions:
Portugal is one of Europe's leading pear producers. The Rocha variety, a symbol of the Oeste region, generates annual export revenues of around 85 million euros, reflecting the growing international demand for Pera Rocha. In 2022/2023, the national Pera Rocha was exported to 20 countries, with three main destinations occupying the podium: Europe (50%), Morocco (20%) and Brazil (20%).
Finally, the ANP and AREFLH, co-organisers of this year's event, considered the event very successful and from participants feedback, agreed to define it as a “combination of professionalism and warm fellowship, allowing to create fruitful business contacts”.
Both organisations hope to see all the participants again for the next edition, the location of which will be revealed over the coming months to newsletter subscribers and on www.interpera.org.
Read the analysis of Europe’s past campaign (2023-24) and forecast for the coming season, by Catalan association Afrucat.
Read this press release in FR, ES, IT
In addition to the Portuguese numerous participation, there was a large foreign delegation, with 9 countries represented: Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina and the United States.
The Portuguese Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, honoured the event with his presence, closing it with a message calling on all professionals to work together to meet the challenges facing the sector, and emphasising the need to promote and defend the Rocha pear, which represents Portuguese territory.
Mr Fernandes stated that "after a difficult campaign in 2023, mainly due to climate change which has affected the European productions, it is essential to invest in research to combat pests, cope with extreme weather and improve the commercial organisation of the sector".
Over the course of the two days, the other challenges and opportunities impacting the sector were discussed: European regulations, water use, soil health, marketing, the orchard of the future, diseases and pests.
Interpera has also analysed the past campaign and revealed the first figures and first trends for the 2024 pear harvest in Europe, with a clear setback for the next production season due to unstable weather conditions:
- Belgium is forecasting a fall of almost 30%.
- Spain's total will probably fall by 25% due to the effects of the water stress suffered by the trees during the last campaign.
- The Netherlands is forecasting a drop in its harvest too.
- Portugal, France and Italy are recovering their production but are not reaching their full potential.
Portugal is one of Europe's leading pear producers. The Rocha variety, a symbol of the Oeste region, generates annual export revenues of around 85 million euros, reflecting the growing international demand for Pera Rocha. In 2022/2023, the national Pera Rocha was exported to 20 countries, with three main destinations occupying the podium: Europe (50%), Morocco (20%) and Brazil (20%).
Finally, the ANP and AREFLH, co-organisers of this year's event, considered the event very successful and from participants feedback, agreed to define it as a “combination of professionalism and warm fellowship, allowing to create fruitful business contacts”.
Both organisations hope to see all the participants again for the next edition, the location of which will be revealed over the coming months to newsletter subscribers and on www.interpera.org.
Read the analysis of Europe’s past campaign (2023-24) and forecast for the coming season, by Catalan association Afrucat.
Read this press release in FR, ES, IT
The co-organisers of 2024 edition
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ANP is the National Association of Pera Rocha Producers. It was set up in 1993 and represents around 86% of Pera Rocha production in Portugal.
It brings together the main entities involved in the sector: fruit-growers, fruit-growing associations, fruit wholesalers, exporters and other interested parties in developing Pera Rocha, such as local governments and credit institutions. perarocha.pt/anp |
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AREFLH is the Assembly of European Horticultural Regions
Since 2008, the Interpera congress has always been organized by AREFLH and by a local partner from a pear-producing country. AREFLH's mission is to represent and defend the interests of its members (Regions and Associations of Organizations of Fruit and Vegetable Producers) with European institutions. It is present in 11 countries in Europe. www.areflh.org |
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Óbidos, a charming medieval town in Portugal, is renowned for its well-preserved castle and picturesque streets. Nestled in a region known for fertile agricultural land, Óbidos plays a significant role in Portugal's pear production, particularly the Pêra Rocha variety. The town's local economy benefits greatly from the cultivation and export of these high-quality pears, linking its historical heritage with modern agricultural practices.
www.cm-obidos.pt |
2024 Sponsors
Platinum sponsors
Unitec designs and manufactures many innovative solutions: lines, installations and machines for sorting fresh fruits and vegetables.
Visit their website on : www.unitec-group.com (available in various languages) |
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Since 1958, Isolcell, an Italian company based in Laives (BZ), has been at the forefront of studying and creating plants utilising Generated and Controlled Atmosphere technology. The organisation is part of an industrial group and has a global presence thanks to a carefully developed network distributors and resellers. Their Storage Division specialises in fruit and vegetable storage solutions, employing advanced controlled atmosphere technology to maintain quality and extend post-harvest storage life. This division not only designs and builds turnkey storage warehouses worldwide but also pioneers innovative techniques to enhance storage efficiency. |
Gold sponsors
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FEPAL manufactures wooden packaging, cardboard packaging, pallets and pallets
They also propose a distinctive product, anti-moisture packaging (resistant when submerged in water). www.fepal.pt (webiste is translated to English) [email protected] |
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Silver sponsors
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Bronze sponsor
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The city of Óbidos
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Óbidos is a picturesque town located 80 km north of Lisbon, it is one of the hotspots for tourism due to the excellent state of conservation of its ramparts. Indeed, the city’s name comes from the Latin Oppidum which means “fortified city”.
Inside the city walls, the castle can be discovered, as well as a maze of streets and white houses. In addition to the Manueline porticos, colorful pot plants and small squares, there are many beautiful examples of religious and civil architecture to visit. It is located in the heart of Oeste, the main Pera producing region in Portugal. |
Obidos photos by Asta d'Eça and by Isabel Pinto - www.visitportugal.com/obidos
Rocha pear orchard at the foot of Obidos Castle