In 2019, a technician was hired for the implementation of the Mendialdea food project through the agreement between the ten municipalities of the large area and rural development. Since then, a multitude of initiatives have been organised to promote the primary sector and sustainable consumption: “Among other initiatives, we have launched the initiative of the Travelling Fair, which is held by municipalities with products from producers and artisans of the region,” said the technique Amaiur Unzueta. He adds that from the beginning they had the idea of drawing the product guide from the region, but other projects that have been involved have so far done so. “We have created the Mendialdea Food Bureau, the Habelarte agroecological baserritarras association...” At least they haven't been standing.

To complete the guide, it was necessary to first establish the map that will occupy the region. For this purpose, they have been based on a local map defined by the Government of Navarra, in which the ten municipalities mentioned above and Arano have been included.

Local and with space in its establishments

The second study consisted in establishing the criteria to be able to participate in the guide. The Mendialdea Food Bureau, the Habelarte Agroecological Baserritarras Association and the Leitz Consumption Group have participated in this work. “It was important for us to define the criteria among the agents of the food system,” says Unzueta. Two criteria were drawn from this elaboration of the month of January: the existence of indigenous products, produced or processed in the region of Mendialdea, and their sale at least at some point of sale in the area. “On the one hand, it’s about making the industry’s producers and processors visible, but it’s also about promoting short marketing routes,” the technique explained.

In the first edition of the guide, 26 producers and processors met these two criteria. Although the star product is dairy and red meat, you can find bread, cider and apple juice, honey, eggs, vegetables, sausages, stems, chocolate... “The guide has taught us that some shops and accommodations in the region are involved in the introduction of local products, which have also been recognized,” says Unzueta. Along with the guide, an ID has been created to place in these shops and restaurants with the legend "Mountain Raw Materials". “In addition to helping the consumer, it brings value to trade,” concludes Unzueta. The guide has been distributed at the sales points of the region, but the online version for anyone is available on the Cederna website.