Freshuelva has a new president. José Antonio Martín, linked to the sector since 2010, replaces Francisco José Gómez, who has stepped down after four years at the helm of the Huelva association of red fruits.
The resignation of Francisco José Gómez from the presidency of Freshuelva occurred due to compliance with the association's statutes, according to a statement from the entity. Gómez recently ceased as president and member of the Board of Directors of the cooperative SCA Moguer Cuna de Platero, which prevented him from continuing on the Board of Freshuelva. The association, which groups the main producers of red fruits in the province of Huelva, has appointed José Antonio Martín, until now second vice president, as the new president.
A new Executive Committee for Freshuelva
With this change, the Executive Committee is made up of José Antonio Martín as president; Enrique Molina from Fresón de Palos as first vice president; Rocío Alba from Frutas El Pinar SCA as second vice president; and Francisco José Barroso from Fran y Lolo SL, who continues as treasurer. The Board of Directors maintains representation from the companies Fresón de Palos, SCA Moguer Cuna de Platero, Agromartín SL, SAT Grufesa, SCA Hort. de Bonares-Bonafrú, Doñana 1998 SL, Frutas El Pinar SCA, Fruta de Andalucía SCA, Fran y Lolo SL, Frutas Borja SL, Algaida Productores SAT, and Fresaflor SCA, whose representatives will continue as members.
The new president has expressed his gratitude to his predecessor for “the dedication, commitment, and work he has developed over these years in defence of Freshuelva and the entire sector.” Martín has stated that he takes on the role “with enthusiasm and a firm commitment to continue a collective project that has strengthened the unity of the sector and consolidated Freshuelva as a reference organization.”
Four years of Francisco José Gómez's mandate
This change marks the end of four years of mandate for Francisco José Gómez at the helm of Freshuelva. During his tenure, the association has reinforced its role as the main interlocutor for the red fruit sector with various administrations, intensifying its presence in national and European forums and strengthening the defence of producers' and companies' interests. Additionally, the international projection of the sector has been boosted, expanding its presence at fairs and consolidating the International Red Fruits Congress as a key meeting point for the European berries industry.
Gómez has thanked those who placed their trust in him and has assured that he leaves the presidency “with the pride of having represented an extraordinary sector and the satisfaction of having contributed, alongside the entire Board of Directors, to strengthening the unity of Freshuelva and continuing to project the name of Huelva and our red fruits both inside and outside Spain.”
Strategic challenges for the new president
José Antonio Martín has assured that the new Board of Directors will continue working to tackle strategic challenges such as water and hydraulic infrastructures, the availability of labour, soil disinfection, opening new markets, and defending the competitiveness of producing companies. Martín, who has developed his entire professional career linked to the red fruit sector at Agromartín SL, has been part of the Freshuelva Board of Directors since January 2010.
With this change, Freshuelva opens a new phase from a position of continuity, maintaining its commitment to defending the interests of the sector and aiming to further strengthen Huelva's international leadership as the main berry-producing area in Europe. For Huelva farmers, stability within the association is key to facing the sector's challenges, from water scarcity to competition in foreign markets.
The new president has highlighted that he will work to ensure that Freshuelva remains a benchmark. “Our goal is for the red fruit sector of Huelva to continue growing and being competitive,” he stated. The association, which represents more than a dozen companies, will continue to defend the interests of producers in a context marked by the need to modernise infrastructures and ensure the sustainability of cultivation.
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