Alfonso Rueda Praises Galician Dairy Farm Behind Famous Bico de Xeado Ice Cream

Dairy Farming Roots of a Regional Ice Cream Favorite

The origin story of one of Galicia’s most popular summer treats is rooted firmly in the primary sector of San Sadurniño. Alfonso Rueda, the president of the Xunta, visited the A Esperanza livestock farm in Santa Mariña do Monte on Thursday to examine how local agricultural investments support regional supply chains and manufacturing.

Keeping Economic Value Within the Galician Economy

Officials emphasized the connection between local dairy farming and consumer products such as Bico de Xeado, the well-known regional ice cream brand. Rueda highlighted the operation as a model for regional quality, stating that local milk transformation ensures that value remains within the Galician economy rather than being exported raw.

Leadership Tour of A Esperanza’s Modernized Facilities

The president toured the facilities alongside María José Gómez Rodríguez, the regional minister for rural affairs; Secundino García Casal, the mayor of San Sadurniño; and José María Calo, president of the Provincial Agrarian Cooperative of A Coruña. Calo outlined the farm’s evolution into a model agricultural operation, noting its focus on product quality and standardized employment structures.

Automated Animal Care and Smart-Collar Feeders

Modern agricultural technology plays a significant role in the daily operations at A Esperanza. The farm features automated animal care systems, including specialized massaging rollers for the livestock and smart-collar-equipped feeding machines that monitor whether calves have already been fed before dispensing milk.

Strategic Shift Toward Value-Added Dairy Processing

Previous challenges with liquid milk distribution prompted a strategic shift toward value-added dairy processing. By utilizing locally produced milk for items ranging from regional cheeses to specialized ice creams, the sector aims to secure sustainable economic returns for rural communities.

New Cooperatives Law to Combat Rural Depopulation

Rueda also addressed broader demographic challenges facing rural areas, announcing plans to submit a new cooperatives law to the regional parliament. Officials argued that strengthening primary industries and supporting cooperative structures serve as vital tools for maintaining population levels and economic activity outside major urban centers.