The Director General of Agricultural and Livestock Production, Mª Àngels Ramón-Llin, highlighted the strategic value of the Alicante mountain cherry crop during the El Tall de la Cirera 2026 event in Alcoy. She emphasized its economic, social, and environmental significance, as well as the institutional support for the sector. Ramón-Llin reiterated "the Generalitat's commitment to the sector through support lines aimed at ensuring the viability of agricultural holdings affected by climate adversities".

According to the Director General, "The Alicante mountain cherry is much more than an agricultural product. It represents employment, local economy, landscape, tourism, and population retention in our inland regions." She recalled recent aid from the Ministry of Agriculture, allocating 417,731 euros to irrigated cherry farms affected by climatic and environmental events, and fires. This initiative complements a previous call for rain-fed farms, which amounted to 1,036,744.52 euros.

These measures aim to sustain the sector's viability in the face of climate effects and accumulated difficulties in recent years. The regional official explained that "a support line is added to the previously directed call for rain-fed holdings, which amounted to 1,036,744.52 euros".

During her speech, she also defended the importance of the crop in the territory and its link to the Protected Geographical Indication, as well as the continuous work of producers to maintain its quality.

Ramón-Llin warned about the sector's difficulties and stressed the need for generational continuity. "We are aware of the enormous challenges the sector has faced in recent years, and that is why we have continued working to meet the needs of producers and contribute to maintaining agricultural activity and the future of this crop, which is closely linked to the territory and recognized by its Protected Geographical Indication," she stated.

Furthermore, she highlighted that "The quality of our cherry is not a matter of chance, but a result of the privileged environment of the Alicante mountains, its climatic conditions, and the constant effort of generations of farmers who have kept this traditional crop alive."

Regarding generational renewal, the Generalitat has granted 548 aid packages to young and new farmers and ranchers, totaling 27.44 million euros. In Alicante, 91 aid packages have been approved, with an investment of 4.3 million. In the l’Alcoià region, five aid packages have been allocated, three for young individuals and two for new professionals, with a total investment of 230,000 euros.

On this support, she commented: "Supporting young farmers also means preserving the landscape, the rural economy, and our agricultural traditions."