The Cooperative revived its flagship gathering of members and professionals, which had not been held since 2019, under the slogan “Peza a peza formamos AIRA” (“Piece by piece, we build AIRA”).
AIRA held one of the most significant events in its recent history at its headquarters in Taboada. Nearly 1,400 people, including members and employees, took part in a major gathering designed to strengthen relationships, recognize the collective effort, and reinforce the sense of belonging to the Cooperative.
Under the slogan “Peza a peza formamos AIRA”, the event reflected the essence of a project built on the union of people, experiences, responsibilities, and diverse skills, all sharing the same vision for the future.
Under the slogan “Peza a peza formamos AIRA”, the event reflected the essence of a project built on the union of people, experiences, responsibilities, and diverse skills, all sharing the same vision for the future.
A cooperative project built by people, together
Every person who is part of AIRA plays an essential role. That was the central message of the gathering, which sought to highlight the interdependence of the Cooperative’s different areas and the importance of moving forward together toward shared goals.
During the opening ceremony, AIRA President José Ramón Ratón emphasized that the chosen slogan captures the essence and journey of the Cooperative:
“AIRA did not emerge overnight, nor did it get here by chance. Throughout its history, it has grown by bringing together people, efforts, projects, and shared commitment. In the end, that is the essence of a cooperative: different people, different responsibilities, and one shared project”.
The event was attended by María José Gómez, Regional Minister for Rural Affairs of the Xunta de Galicia, along with other authorities, including the Mayor of Taboada, Roi Rigueira.
Their presence added significance to a celebration in which people were the true protagonists and where their contribution to AIRA’s growth and consolidation as a cooperative project was recognised.
3rd AIRA Employees’ Gathering
The programme began in the morning with the 3rd AIRA Employees’ Gathering, attended by a large number of the Cooperative’s more than 300 professionals.
Through videos featuring AIRA employees, interactive activities, and team-building sessions, the event highlighted the contribution made by every department across the organisation.
The aim was to demonstrate that AIRA’s success depends on the coordination of all its areas and that every task, regardless of where it is carried out, contributes to the Cooperative’s collective achievements.
The general directors of AIRA, Jesús Bardelás and Javier Barandela, were responsible for opening and closing this part of the session. During their remarks, they expressed their gratitude for the commitment, professionalism, and involvement of the Cooperative’s staff.
A great puzzle as a symbol of AIRA’s identity
One of the most memorable moments of the gathering was the creation of a large collective jigsaw puzzle.
Employees gradually added the different pieces until the image was almost complete. However, the central section was deliberately left for the pieces representing the Cooperative’s members, symbolising their role as the very core of the cooperative project.
Representatives from AIRA’s different branches then placed the final pieces, completing the image.
This symbolic activity visually conveyed one of the Cooperative’s defining principles: AIRA is built by everyone, together. Every person contributes their knowledge, dedication, and experience, but it is the combination of all those contributions that gives the Cooperative its strength and purpose.
The Reunion with Members
Following the 3rd Employees’ Meeting, AIRA’s members joined, kicking off a social program that culminated in a fellowship lunch.
This reunion allowed for sharing experiences, strengthening relationships, and reclaiming a common space that is especially important for an organization based on participation and collaboration.
The day was also an opportunity to recognize the daily work of the farms, professionals, technical teams, delegations, and everyone who contributes to the development of the Cooperative and the Galician agri-food sector.
“Piece by Piece, We Build AIRA”
By holding this major gathering in Taboada, AIRA reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the relationships between everyone who is part of the Cooperative.
Closeness, commitment, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging are essential values for continuing to build a shared project that is ready to meet the challenges of the sector without losing its identity.
Because every responsibility matters, every effort counts, and every person is essential.
Piece by piece, we build AIRA.
