The Vice President of the Government of Castilla-La Mancha, José Manuel Caballero, has announced that a new call for FOCAL aid to agri-food companies will be published next February. The announcement was made at the Hercoliva oil mill in Herencia, a leading company in the region and a beneficiary of the previous call.
These aids, totaling 80 million euros and co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (FEADER), aim to promote investments that increase the added value of agricultural products, improve their processing and marketing, and create new opportunities in the markets. They are targeted at micro-enterprises, SMEs, and large companies with less than 750 employees or an annual turnover of less than 200 million euros, covering between 15% and 50% of the investment.
During the presentation, Caballero emphasized the importance of these aids to modernize the sector, incorporate new technologies, and ensure that agri-food companies can compete in national and international markets.
Hercoliva, located in Herencia, is an example of how these aids can transform a company’s production capacity. A beneficiary of the previous call, Hercoliva received 130,958 euros from the FOCAL program, which allowed them to make an investment of 623,612 euros to expand their processing capacity to meet the increased production demand.
During his visit, Caballero, accompanied by the mayor of Herencia, Sergio García-Navas, and the president of the cooperative, Alfonso Álvarez, highlighted the positive impact of these aids on the local sector, enabling it to respond to market demands more efficiently and with higher quality.
The Vice President also highlighted the 34% increase in olive oil production in Castilla-La Mancha during the 2024/2025 campaign, reaching 90,000 tons. This growth has also been significant in Herencia, benefiting both farmers and companies like Hercoliva. “The joint effort of the sector to focus on quality and add value is an example of commitment and continuous improvement,” said Caballero.
This increase in production, although contrasted with a decrease in profitability, emphasizes the importance of betting on excellence throughout the process: from olive harvesting to commercialization.
The FOCAL call reaffirms the regional government’s commitment to the development of the agri-food sector, which is not only an economic pillar of the region but also an essential part of its cultural identity. “These aids are fundamental to modernize and strengthen a sector that generates employment, wealth, and keeps our traditions alive,” Caballero concluded.
Interested companies can submit their applications starting in February and benefit from these aids to continue growing and competing in a global market. The Hercoliva oil mill consolidates as an example of how joint effort between the administration and the private sector can boost the local and regional economy.
Spanish post in Castilla-La Mancha anuncia 80 millones en ayudas FOCAL para empresas agroalimentarias desde Herencia
