Product Offerings
Product Categories:
fruits and vegetables, Organic Products
Products:
Organic Produce, Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables
The Federación de Cooperativas Agrarias de Murcia (FECOAM) is a prominent agricultural federation based in the Region of Murcia, Spain. Established in 1985, FECOAM functions as a central body representing more than 80 agri-food cooperatives and over 22,000 farming families in the Murcia region. The federation plays a critical role in the coordination, promotion, and development of cooperative agriculture in one of Europe’s most vital fruit and vegetable production zones.
Core Business and Organizational Structure
FECOAM operates as a non-profit federation that supports agricultural cooperatives across several domains, including marketing, production planning, quality assurance, training, and internationalization. Its key objective is to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of cooperative farming models.
- Legal Status: Federation of agricultural cooperatives
- Member Cooperatives: 80+
- Individual Producers Represented: 22,000+
- Operational Regions: Primarily Murcia, with national and EU-level influence
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
The Murcia region, also known as the "Orchard of Europe," is responsible for a significant share of Spain’s fruit and vegetable exports. FECOAM’s unique strength lies in its ability to unify the region’s agricultural producers under one platform, enabling access to technical assistance, innovation, market integration, and policy representation.
- Integrated Supply Chain Coordination: From field to consumer
- Innovation & R&D Access: EU-funded agritech programs
- Policy Advocacy: Representation at regional, national, and European levels
Product Range and Economic Impact
Although FECOAM does not directly commercialize products, its member cooperatives export a wide range of fresh produce, including but not limited to:
- Fruits: Citrus, peaches, nectarines, apricots, grapes, pomegranates, melons
- Vegetables: Lettuce, artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers
- Other Products: Olive oil, wine, almonds, honey
FECOAM’s member cooperatives collectively contribute to:
- Annual Turnover: €1.2 billion+
- Export Share: Over 60% of production directed to international markets
- Key Export Destinations: Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Scandinavian countries
Shipment and Trade Data
Murcia is one of Spain's most productive export hubs for horticultural goods. According to data from Proexport and FEPEX, over 2.5 million tons of fruits and vegetables are exported annually from the region, a significant portion coordinated through FECOAM-affiliated cooperatives.
- Annual Export Volume (Member Cooperatives): 1.6+ million tons
- Ports Used: Cartagena, Valencia, Algeciras
- Logistics Partners: Cold-chain distributors and road freight forwarders across EU
Capabilities and Member Services
FECOAM supports its members through a wide array of services aimed at improving quality, efficiency, and compliance:
- Technical Services: Pest and disease management, crop planning, irrigation tech
- Quality Control: GLOBALG.A.P., ISO 9001, IFS, BRC certifications via cooperatives
- Sustainability Programs: Organic production, carbon footprint reduction, circular economy practices
- Training: Ongoing programs in agronomy, traceability, digitalization, and EU regulation compliance
Certifications and Compliance
Member cooperatives under FECOAM are known for adhering to some of the strictest food safety and sustainability standards in Europe.
- GLOBALG.A.P. Certified Farms
- ISO 9001 Quality Management
- Organic Farming Certifications (ES-ECO standards)
- Integrated Production (Producción Integrada Murcia)
Strategic Projects and R&D
FECOAM regularly collaborates with national and European institutions on innovation, sustainability, and rural development projects.
- EU-Funded Projects: H2020, LIFE, and INTERREG initiatives
- Recent Project: AGROMEMUR — development of memory archive and digital innovation in rural heritage
- Collaborations: IMIDA, CARM, Ministry of Agriculture, University of Murcia
Social and Environmental Commitment
FECOAM and its members prioritize socio-economic development in rural areas and the conservation of the environment through cooperative models.
- Employment Impact: 25,000+ direct and indirect jobs in rural Murcia
- Water Efficiency: Advanced irrigation systems and desalination usage
- Community Programs: Scholarships, agri-education, and heritage conservation
Recognitions and Partnerships
FECOAM is an active member of Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de España and Cogeca (EU-level agri-cooperative confederation). It has been recognized by regional authorities for its role in agricultural resilience and export growth.
- Awards: Regional Agrifood Merit Award, Murcia Export Promotion Recognition
- Institutional Relationships: Ministry of Agriculture, Spanish Interprofessional Agri-Food Organizations
Testimonials
“FECOAM has been instrumental in ensuring the international competitiveness of our cooperative’s citrus exports, both through policy advocacy and technical support.”
— General Manager, Member Cooperative, Murcia
“Their training programs have helped us implement full traceability systems that meet EU and UK supermarket standards.”
— Quality Director, Vegetable Cooperative, Murcia
Conclusion
As one of Spain’s leading federations in the agri-food cooperative space, FECOAM is an engine of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. With over €1.2 billion in cooperative turnover and active engagement in global markets, the organization plays a critical role in securing Murcia’s leadership as a premium agricultural exporter.