FIAB warns of the impact of the drought on the supply of food and beverages and calls for investments

MADRID, 31 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB) has warned of the "serious situation" caused by the lack of rainfall, which, together with the high temperatures registered in recent weeks and a situation of hydrological drought in large areas of Spain , is having a "strong impact" on agriculture and livestock and, therefore, on the processed food industry, according to a statement.

Specifically, the employers have recalled that water is a "key resource" for the food and beverage industry, which has spent years optimizing and reducing its consumption in all processes without compromising hygiene or food safety requirements and that it is essential for guarantee supplies and avoid shortages of certain products.

"It is imperative that the food and beverage industry receives special treatment in these very serious circumstances and that it has preferential access to water in order to guarantee a stable and safe supply of food and beverages," said FIAB Director General Mauricio Garcia de Quevedo.

FIAB has also underlined the importance of developing a Hydrological Plan that contemplates new interconnections and transfers between basins, as well as investment plans for expansions, development and modernization of water storage and irrigation infrastructures.

In addition, the food and beverage manufacturing industry requests the promotion of the use of unconventional water resources, such as reuse and desalination, which they consider "essential" to mitigate the effects of climate change and emphasize that the reuse of water regenerated is key to achieving water security in Spain.