The produce feeds an economically important canning industry in the area, as well as a small but high quality community of food machinery companies. Navarre's 600 food processing companies employ 10,500 people.

While the vegetables are prized throughout Spain, it is Navarre's wine industry that is enjoying increasing global acceptance. To promote its wine industry, Navarre created EVENA -- the Wine and Enology Research Station -- as an independent agency reporting to the Navarre Agricultural Dept. This is the only province in Spain that concentrates all technology, production and legal issues under one roof.

The Wine Technology Center pioneered new production technologies. Sixteen years ago, when the center was established, production techniques were a bit old-fashioned and little heed was paid to customer needs. Initially, the center studied different varieties to determine the best for Navarre's environment and climate. Now, a focus on what the customer wants plays a key role in continuous improvement of quality. The program involves 90 wine producers.

The center's well-equipped labs provide technical support and analysis for the wine producers. EVENA also sets strict regulations for the producer -- such as when grape harvesting begins.

Navarre's vineyards are classified in zone C2 -- the same level as France's Bordeaux area and the region where Europe's best wines are produced. Navarre's 56,400 acres (23,500 hectares) of vineyards produce under the Rioja and Navarra denominations of origin.