The Region of Murcia has successfully consolidated paprika as one of its most emblematic products. Over the past six years, production has nearly doubled — from 1,534 tonnes in 2018 to more than 3,250 tonnes in 2023 — according to data provided by Sara Rubira, the Regional Minister for Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, following a meeting with the new board of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Paprika of Murcia.
Rubira emphasized that this spice “is part of the agricultural and gastronomic identity of our land, it is internationally recognized for its quality, and it is gaining visibility at specialized trade fairs thanks to the promotional efforts driven by the Region.”
Cultivation Expansion and the Rise of Organic Paprika
The increase in production is directly linked to the expansion of land dedicated to paprika peppers, which has grown by 38 % since 2018, now covering 668 hectares. Municipalities such as Totana and Lorca have become key centers for this crop.
Another notable development is the growth of organic paprika production, which has risen by 82 % over the past four years. This reflects farmers’ commitment to more sustainable and profitable agricultural models.
A New Era for the PDO Paprika of Murcia
The Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin entered a phase of renewal in June 2024, under the presidency of Manuel Sánchez. Key changes include the modernization of the certification system and the attainment of the status of a Public Law Corporation with supra-regional scope, enabling the inclusion of producers from neighboring regions such as Andalusia and Valencia.
In 2024, the PDO received €26,407 in regional funding, allocated to quality control (€19,603) and promotional campaigns (€6,804).
Commitment from the Regional Government
Minister Rubira expressed confidence that this new phase will further strengthen the prestige of Murcian paprika:
“Our commitment is to continue supporting the Regulatory Council, both in international promotion and in financing certification systems that guarantee the product’s excellence.”