Strengthening Trust in Iberico Ham Production Models in Japan's Market

From February 1 to February 7, 2026, the Iberico Pig Interprofessional Association (ASICI) organized an official program called "Farm Trip 2026" aimed at Japanese journalists and media representatives. This initiative not only presented an opportunity to directly learn about the origins and production systems of Iberico ham but also aimed to enhance the credibility of European food systems amidst concerns regarding African Swine Fever (ASF).

Official Meetings at the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food

During the program, journalists engaged in vitally important discussions with representatives from Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA). Key attendees from the ministry included Maria del Carmen Gonzalez Martin, Deputy Director-General for Border Health Agreements and Management, Ana Mendoza, Deputy Director-General for European Food Promotion, and Beatriz Martinez Samorano, Deputy Director-General for International Relations and EU Affairs. From ASICI, Raúl García, the president, and Jesús Pérez Aguilar, the director, were also present.

The formal meetings primarily focused on the health crisis caused by ASF outbreaks, emphasizing the temporary closure of the European pork market to Japan. MAPA highlighted Japan's status as a strategic partner for the European pork industry, noting that meat exports to Japan had doubled over the past decade. They informed that efforts are ongoing to reopen the Japanese market while furthering discussions aimed at accepting the principles of regionalization.

It was made clear that ASF affects pigs but does not transmit to humans. The discussed management protocols demonstrated a robust response; the affected zones were set to a radius of 20 km, containing high-risk areas specifically categorized. Strict measures, including livestock movement restrictions and regular testing, were established, yielding negative results to date. MAPA also revealed the implementation of a nationwide monitoring program for ongoing checks in farms, processing, and industrial facilities.

Commitment to Regionalization Principles and Export Re-Opening Efforts

In the meeting, the significance of regionalization principles was also discussed, allowing areas outside the designated infection zones to be treated as clean regions enabling continued trade flows. ASICI's commitment to fostering understanding regarding these principles in Japan is evident, promoting the reliability of the European food system and transitioning to information-centric promotional strategies.

MAPA further detailed how, since the ASF outbreak, they had voluntarily halted export certification and gradually navigated the reopening process based on varying responses from different countries. This step hinges on transparency and consistent information sharing with trade partners.

Visits to Production Facilities, Culture, and Gastronomy

The program aimed to deepen the understanding of the production system behind Iberico ham and its sociocultural significance. Participants visited dehesas, livestock farms, and processing facilities, gaining insights into each production stage and management systems. Technical visits related to the Iberico industry’s value chain were carried out over four days. The itinerary also included cultural and culinary explorations, illustrating the ties between Iberico ham and regional traditions, gastronomy, and everyday life in southwestern Spain.

Global Promotion Program

This initiative is part of the global promotional program titled "Awaken Your Ibérico Sense!" designed to bolster industry reputation amidst ASF challenges through strategic information dissemination. ASICI's "Farm Trip 2026" operates on principles of transparency and accuracy, aiming to reinforce product and industry credibility in the Japanese market.

Future Developments: Participation in FOODEX JAPAN

Looking ahead, the Iberico Pig Interprofessional Association (ASICI) will participate in FOODEX JAPAN, set to occur from March 10 to March 13, 2026. This mission aims to consolidate the reputation of the Iberico industry in Japan while convincing stakeholders about the reliability of their production model and high hygiene standards.

Founded in 1992, ASICI (Asociación Interprofesional del Cerdo Ibérico) was recognized in 1999 as a collaborative entity in the agricultural and food sectors by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. As a nonprofit organization, ASICI includes producers (pig farmers) as well as processors and distributors.

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