AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: At least 13 people in Spain have fallen ill with salmonella linked to Spanish eggs, prompting a serious EU alert and a market withdrawal. Authorities have not disclosed the brand or how many eggs were affected. Fruit Trade: Fruit Attraction’s 18th edition drew record attendance, with 2,500 exhibitors from 78 countries and 121,000 expected trade visitors, underscoring Madrid’s role in the global produce market. Produce Sector: Nearly three in 10 Spanish fruit and vegetable wholesalers are at high risk of non-payment. Spain has 24,758 hectares of avocados and 6,148 hectares of mangoes. Poultry: Grupo Fuertes has acquired Spanish poultry integrator Nutrave, adding to consolidation in the sector. Harvest Risks: Hail in northern Murcia threatens the olive harvest, while Spanish organic vegetable prices are reported higher than last year.

Poultry Expansion: Spanish food group Grupo Fuertes has acquired Toledo-based Nutrave, its second poultry deal this year. Together, its 2026 acquisitions add capacity for more than 700,000 chickens a week. EU Farm Funding: Ireland’s draft would cut the next EU budget by 8%; agriculture and cohesion spending would fall 3%, with national allocations unchanged. Spain, a key cohesion-club member, has so far kept quiet as talks continue. Harvest and Market Pressures: Hail in northern Murcia threatens the olive harvest, while Spain’s produce trade faces mixed conditions: organic vegetable prices are above last year’s levels, figs are in oversupply, and tomato prices are under pressure. Food Costs: A Spanish food-policy campaigner has floated a week-long boycott of major supermarket chains to push for cheaper healthy food; no dates have been set. Portuguese farm groups, meanwhile, are seeking €140 million in support, citing rising costs and a disadvantage against Spanish competitors.

Food Prices: A Spanish food-policy campaigner has floated a week-long boycott of major supermarket chains to press for cheaper healthy food; it is a proposal, not a scheduled strike. Food and non-alcoholic drinks have risen about 36% in five years, according to figures cited by the campaigner. EU Funding: Ireland’s draft 2028–34 budget would cut the European Commission’s proposal by 8%, including a 3% reduction to cohesion and agriculture spending, while leaving national allocations untouched. Parliament’s lead negotiators warn the plan would weaken farm support. Farm Protest: A tractor protest is planned outside Spain’s Agriculture Ministry on October 28, according to organisers. Olive Harvest: Hail in northern Murcia has threatened the region’s olive crop. Land and Energy: Murcia is testing whether solar panels and crops can share farmland; researchers say agrivoltaics could bring benefits, but outcomes depend on how projects are designed and who gains.

EU Farm Funding: Ireland’s proposed 8% cut to the 2028–2034 EU budget would reduce agriculture, fisheries and regional-development funding by 3%. Spain has warned against deeper cuts to the Common Agricultural Policy. Irrigation Pressure: The Tagus-Segura aqueduct closure could cost irrigators 70–75 million cubic metres of water if repairs take the official four to five months; the irrigators’ union says the work could be finished sooner. Land and Energy: A Murcia project is testing whether solar panels and crops can share land, though researchers say outcomes depend on how projects are designed and who benefits. Farm Risks: Hail in northern Murcia threatens the olive harvest, while Cantabria has confirmed its first case of shamonda virus in a cow. Market Costs: A report says 89% of Spanish companies expect raw-material costs to rise, adding pressure on the agri-food sector.

EU Farm Funding: Ireland’s proposed 8% cut to the bloc’s 2028–2034 budget would trim agriculture and fisheries funding by 3%. Spain has warned against cuts to the Common Agricultural Policy as EU leaders prepare for negotiations. Irrigation Pressure: The Tagus–Segura aqueduct closure is now official, with repairs expected to take four to five months. Irrigators say faster work could limit losses, which they estimate at 70–75 million cubic metres of water. Harvest Risks: Hail in northern Murcia threatens the olive harvest, adding to pressure on growers after a hot, dry season. Livestock Health: Cantabria has confirmed Spain’s first case of shamonda virus in a cow, raising fresh concerns for the cattle sector.

Irrigation Crisis: The Tagus–Segura aqueduct closure is official, with repairs forecast to take four to five months after damage to two canal sections. Irrigators say the work could be done in six weeks and warn that a prolonged shutdown could cost 70–75 million cubic metres of irrigation water. EU Farm Funding: Ireland’s proposed 8% cut to the next EU budget would reduce the Commission’s plan by €141 billion; agriculture, fisheries and regional development spending would each be cut by 3%. Spain and Italy have opposed further reductions to farm and cohesion funds. Harvest Risks: Hail swept northern Murcia, threatening the olive harvest. Farmers’ Protest: Farmers have called a tractor protest outside Spain’s Agriculture Ministry for October 28. Produce Promotion: Spain launched its “Nothing is thrown away here” campaign at the record-breaking Fruit Attraction fair, which drew more than 121,000 professionals and highlighted the country’s leading role in EU fruit and vegetable production.

Strawberry Innovation: Spanish company Eurosemillas’ Red Innovation Hub has connected breeders with growers and buyers in 14 countries, promoting climate-adapted crops, longer seasons and stronger quality standards. Farm Protest: ASAJA, COAG and Unión de Uniones plan a tractor rally at Spain’s Agriculture Ministry on Oct. 28, saying aid falls short as fuel and fertilizer costs rise; UPA will not join during the election campaign. Food Waste: Spain launched its “Nothing is thrown away here” campaign at Madrid’s record Fruit Attraction fair, which drew more than 121,000 professionals. The country produces over 26 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables a year, with exports earning more than €22 billion. Olive Harvest: Hail swept northern Murcia, threatening the region’s olive crop as harvest season approaches.

Farmers’ Protest: ASAJA, COAG and Unión de Uniones plan to bring tractors to Spain’s Agriculture Ministry on October 28, arguing fuel and fertilizer aid falls short as costs rise. UPA will not join, citing the election campaign. Fruit Trade: Madrid’s Fruit Attraction drew more than 121,000 professionals and was credited with €419 million in economic activity and over 3,100 jobs. A potato-sector symposium highlighted climate pressures, water availability, plant health and rising costs. Harvest Risks: Hail in northern Murcia threatens the olive harvest, while ASAJA warns that rising costs and collapsing production have left Burgos’s countryside in a severe crisis. Seafood Markets: At CONXEMAR in Vigo, Venezuela’s seafood exporters sought Spanish buyers for octopus, snapper, shrimp and lobster as Spain pressed the EU to support fleet renewal.

Fruit Attraction: Madrid’s 2026 fair drew a record forecast of more than 121,000 professionals and 2,500 exhibitors, with an estimated €419 million economic impact and support for 3,106 jobs. Harvest Watch: Hail in northern Murcia threatens the olive harvest, while Spain’s kaki crop is expected to fall below the flood-year level. Produce Markets: Spanish organic vegetable prices are above last year’s, and Spain remains the EU’s leading melon supplier, with 31% of the market. Canary Islands papaya harvests rose 74% as growers seek protected geographical status. Farm Pressures: Asaja warns of a severe crisis in Burgos, citing rising costs and collapsing production; mushroom growers also report soaring costs and difficulty breaking even. EU Funding: Seventeen member states are pressing to protect agriculture and cohesion funding in the next EU budget.

Sheep Prices: EU lamb prices are 7% to 8% above last year as supplies tighten; Spain’s output is falling amid prolonged drought and extreme heat. Fruit Attraction: Madrid’s produce fair is forecast to generate €419 million and support 3,106 jobs, with more than 121,000 visitors expected from over 150 countries. Olive Harvest: Hail in northern Murcia has growers checking for damage close to harvest, with Cehegín and El Cagitán among the affected areas. Farm Funding: Seventeen EU countries are pressing to protect agriculture and cohesion spending in the next long-term budget. Produce Outlook: Spain remains the EU’s leading melon supplier, with 31% of the market, while kaki production is forecast below the flood-year level.

EU Farm Funding: Ireland is preparing a draft 2028–34 EU budget as member states clash over proposed spending cuts. Spain’s November election could complicate talks, while 17 countries are pressing to protect farm and cohesion funds. Farm Costs: Asaja says Burgos agriculture is in a critical state after a poor cereal harvest and disastrous wine campaign, with fuel, fertilizer and sowing costs squeezing already thin margins. Grain Outlook: Spain’s 2026–27 harvest is forecast at just under 20 million tonnes, around the five-year average, but heat during grain filling and high input costs are weighing on production and grain quality. Produce and Aquaculture: The Canary Islands are seeking protected status for papaya as harvest volumes climb; separately, Oceanloop plans a Gran Canaria grouper farm with eventual annual capacity of 2,000 tonnes.

Farm Squeeze: Asaja says Burgos growers face a severe season after poor cereal and wine results, with soaring fuel and fertiliser costs making the next sowing campaign difficult. The group wants lower agricultural fuel taxes and fertiliser tariffs removed. Harvest Outlook: Spain’s 2026–27 grain crop is forecast at just under 20 million tonnes, around the five-year average, as early heavy rain and heat during grain filling cut yields. Higher input costs are also pushing some farmers from corn to sunflowers. Livestock Health: Cantabria has confirmed its first shamonda virus case in a dairy cow. The disease can reduce milk output and harm pregnancies; authorities say it poses no risk to people. Water for Farms: Cartagena’s €15 million wastewater plant upgrade will produce reclaimed water meeting agricultural standards, helping supply local irrigators and support recovery of the Mar Menor. Agricultural Cooperation: Spain’s Luis Planas and Lebanon’s agriculture minister discussed cooperation on irrigation, water reuse and farm insurance during Fruit Attraction in Madrid. EU Farm Funding: Seventeen EU countries are pressing to protect agriculture and cohesion spending in the next EU budget.

El Niño Watch: A new warning says the predicted peak of El Niño in late 2026 could be among the worst on record, bringing hotter, drier conditions and major knock-on effects for food, water and logistics into 2027. Water Crisis in Farming Regions: Guatemala’s “Dry Corridor” is seeing wells at record lows and rainfall deficits forecast up to 300mm, threatening subsistence agriculture and safe water access. EU Livestock Pressure: USDA forecasts EU pig slaughter and sow stocks to fall in 2027, with Spain among the biggest expected reductions as piglet prices stay weak. Spanish Poultry Deal: Portugal’s Lusiaves has bought a majority stake in Spain’s Padesa after CNMC clearance, expanding feed, egg and rearing capacity across the Iberian market. Packhouse Costs Squeeze: Spain’s mushroom sector says margins are tightening as straw, gas, transport and packaging costs rise while selling prices lag. High-Value Crop Push: Calls are growing to shift toward higher-value crops like carob and saffron to turn scarce water into better farm returns. Food Security & Policy: Spain’s snap election headlines continue alongside EU debates on protecting farm funding, as producers brace for cost and market volatility.

EU Budget Talks: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says food security and cohesion funding are “not in question” as negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework intensify, with agriculture and cohesion support a key battleground. Spanish Poultry Deal: Portugal’s Lusiaves buys a majority stake in Spain’s Padesa after CNMC clearance, expanding feed, egg production and poultry processing across Iberia. Livestock Outlook: USDA forecasts EU pig slaughter and sow stocks to fall in 2027, with Spain among the countries expected to see larger slaughter reductions as piglet prices stay weak. Olive Oil Market: Greece’s new olive oil season opens at 5.95€/kg, signaling cost pressure and lower producer margins—an important read for Mediterranean oil markets. Farm Safety: A wild boar charge injures a woman in northern Spain, adding to growing concerns about expanding wild boar populations. Labour Rule Change: Spain’s Royal Decree 723/2026 boosts workers’ right to written details on pay, schedules and algorithmic decision-making from Oct 5. Research & Value Crops: Calls grow to shift toward higher-value crops (e.g., carob and saffron) to turn scarce water into better returns.

Spanish Politics & Housing: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap general election for Nov. 29 after parliament rejected key housing measures, with protests over evictions and soaring costs continuing to build pressure. Frozen Seafood & Trade: In Vigo, CONXEMAR’s Congress-FAO-MAPA event highlighted competitiveness and innovation as Venezuela announced it will take part in the fair to expand European market links. Seafood Deal: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova sold its French refrigerated shrimp business to Ecuador’s Omarsa, aiming to focus on higher-value frozen operations while protecting jobs via employee transfer. Olive Oil Market Signal (Greece, for context): Greece’s new olive oil season opened with a first commercial deal at €5.95/kg, showing producers face cost squeeze and weaker prices. Horticulture Research (Spain-linked): A Málaga-CSIC team studied aroma genetics in woodland strawberry, spotlighting how natural variation could help recover fruit quality traits. Agrifood Exports (Morocco-EU): Morocco reported €2.66B in agri-food exports to the EU in the first seven months of 2026, with fresh produce still leading.

Snap Election Shock (Spain): Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election for Nov. 29 after parliament rejected key housing measures, with protests over rents and evictions continuing to build pressure. EU Budget Fight for Farmers (Spain in the mix): Seventeen EU states, including Spain, have urged the Irish EU presidency to protect cohesion policy and the CAP in the 2028–2034 budget, warning that cuts would weaken support for farmers and regions. Seafood Trade (Vigo): Conxemar kicked off its XIV Congress-FAO-MAPA in Vigo under “Smart Blue Leadership,” focusing on competitiveness, traceability, innovation and the “blue economy.” Frozen Seafood Market (Venezuela at Conxemar): Venezuela will participate in Conxemar (Oct. 6–8) to diversify its economy and expand European market links for marine products. Livestock Outlook (EU, with Spain impact): USDA forecasts EU pig slaughter rising slightly in 2026, while noting ASF detection in Spain and expected limits on piglet uptake later in the year.