Photo: OPMEGA

OPMEGA Promotes Galician Mussel Competitiveness Before the Regional Government: Innovation and European Market Defense

The Producers' Organization Highlights the Success of Longline Projects and Sustainable Mussel Seed Collection, Also Addressing Tariff and Electoral Challenges

VILAGARCÍA DE AROUSA, GALICIA – The Galician Mussel Producers' Organization (Opmega), the only recognized PO in the region for this sector, held a crucial meeting today in Vilagarcía with Cándido Rial, Director General of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Technological Innovation of the Consellería do Mar (Regional Ministry of Sea). The meeting, led by Opmega President Ricardo Herbón, served to review the current situation of the Galician mussel, present innovative advances, and address challenges in the European market.

Innovation in Cultivation and Environmental Sustainability

During the meeting, Opmega's board presented to Cándido Rial the intensive work the organization is carrying out in terms of innovation and productive improvement. A central focus of this work are the experimental projects based on the longline system, which are showing "very positive results in efficiency and sustainability." These in-line cultivation systems, although less common in the traditional Galician batea (raft) method, offer advantages such as greater resistance to adverse maritime conditions and the possibility of expanding cultivation areas.

Herbón emphasized Opmega's effort to improve the collection of mexilla (mussel seed), a fundamental process for the industry. The objective is to "reduce pressure on sandy areas" and transition towards a "more balanced and environmentally friendly production model." The entity extended an invitation to the Director General to visit the work area in situ and learn firsthand about the development of this innovative seed collection project, a key step to ensure the future supply of the mollusk.

Defense of Galician Mussels in Europe and Tariffs

Another highlight of the meeting was the review of the efforts made by Opmega in Brussels before the European Union. Issues related to the tariffs affecting Galician mussels and their positioning in the community market were addressed. Both parties agreed on the vital importance of "defending equal conditions against products from other countries" and "strengthening the positioning of the Galician product."

This point is crucial in a context where Galician mussels, with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Mexillón de Galicia, compete with imports from other European and third countries, which often do not meet the same quality and sustainability standards. Tariff defense seeks to ensure fair competition and protect the added value of the local product.

Internal Management and Upcoming Elections

Finally, other matters of interest to the organization and its associates were discussed. The upcoming call for elections to the Regulatory Council of Galician Mussels, a key body for the governance and promotion of the sector, was addressed. Various initiatives contributing to improving mussel management among the PO's associates were also reviewed.

Opmega represents 579 rafts (bateas) and 312 members, distributed in 11 delegations throughout the estuaries of Muros y Noia, Arousa, Pontevedra, Vigo, and the Portugal delegation, underscoring its central role in the cohesion and representation of the Galician mussel sector. These types of strategic meetings are fundamental for coordinating efforts between producers and the regional administration in the pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable future for one of the star products of Galician aquaculture.

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Address:	Avenida da Marina, 25 , Edif. Mexillon de Galicia
City:	Villagarcia De Arosa
State/ZIP:	Pontevedra, Galicia (36600)
Country:	Spain
Phone:	+34 986 501 338
Fax:	+34 986 501 389
E-Mail:	[email protected]
More about:

Print