AGP Executive Report

EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU countries, including Spain, Italy and Romania, have joined forces to oppose cuts to agriculture and cohesion funding in the 2028–2034 budget, warning that trimming the CAP and regional policy would weaken the bloc. CAP & Farm Costs: Eurostat data shows EU farm output prices fell 5.8% in Q2 2026 while input costs (energy, fertilisers, feed) rose 4.7%, squeezing margins—milk prices dropped 16.6%. Water Pressure in Murcia: Spain’s agriculture minister has warned against a “backdoor closure” of the Tagus–Segura transfer after canal damage, urging faster repairs and protection of authorised water volumes for autumn planting decisions. Fishing & Aquaculture: Luis Planas will open Conxemar FAO-MAPA in Vigo and sign a Spain–Namibia cooperation MoU on fishing and aquaculture. Climate Impact on Food: A new EU study says rivers are improving but not fast enough for 2030 targets, with Spain among countries where measures worsened.

EU Farm Economics: Eurostat says EU agricultural output prices fell 5.8% year-on-year in Q2 2026, while input costs (energy, fertilisers, feed) rose 4.7%, squeezing margins—milk was down 16.6% and cereals down 5.6%. Spain Water Stress: Spain’s Murcia region warns the Tagus-Segura transfer could be effectively shut after canal breaks, with officials pushing to speed repairs and protect authorised volumes so autumn/winter planting decisions aren’t lost. CAP & EU Budget Fight: Seventeen “cohesion-friendly” countries—including Spain—ask the EU to preserve funding for agriculture and poorer regions ahead of the 2028–2034 budget talks; Copa vice president Francie Gorman was re-elected, pledging to defend a stronger CAP. Fuel Cost Pressure: Farmers in Portugal blocked the National Road 260 near the Spanish border over high diesel prices and weak support, highlighting how energy costs are hitting cross-border freight and planting. Heat Damage Watch: New analysis links Europe’s extreme heat and drought to major grain losses, with Spain among the affected countries.

EU Food & Fruit Promotion: The EU-backed “SNACK SMART” campaign launches in Germany and Spain to boost daily fresh fruit and veg consumption, spotlighting peaches, nectarines, pears, plums and apricots. Water & Energy Pressure on Farms: A new analysis warns that autumn food prices could rise again as global shocks hit Mediterranean produce and as Europe’s heat, drought and wildfires squeeze olive oil output. Plant Health Rules: The EU is weighing changes to its priority pest list, including possible removal of black spot and three fruit fly species—an update that could reshape citrus and fruit growers’ compliance costs. Sheepmeat Market Tightening: EU sheepmeat supplies are tightening in 2026 as production falls (including Spain) while export demand stays strong, pushing reference prices higher then easing. Aquaculture Business: Stolt Sea Farm reports higher Q3 revenue but lower profit due to fair value adjustments, while highlighting its new sole hatchery in Galicia. Spain Agriculture & Climate Context: Spain’s water scarcity risk remains a major constraint for fruit and vegetable production, with drought and resource stress continuing to shape what can be grown.

Solar Power & Local Industry: X-Elio has inaugurated a 368MW photovoltaic plant near Lorca (Murcia), a €335m project spanning 363.5 hectares and aimed at powering about 196,000 homes a year. Invasive Species Watch: Spain’s Balearic Parliament is urging the central government to list the horseshoe snake as an invasive exotic species, pushing for stronger controls on Ibiza and Mallorca. EU Plant Health Rules: The EU is revising its priority quarantine pest list, with proposals to add nine pests and remove four citrus threats—an issue that could reshape how growers prepare for fruit fly and black spot risks. Agri-Food Promotion: Iberia and the Royal Academy of Gastronomy are teaming up to spotlight Spanish agri-food products in 2027, including seafood preserves, garden produce and extra virgin olive oil. Sheepmeat Market Pressure: EU sheepmeat supplies are tightening in 2026 as production falls—Spain’s output is down 5% year-on-year—while reference prices rise then soften. Fresh Fruit Demand Campaign: The EU-backed “SNACK SMART” programme targets Germany and Spain to boost everyday consumption of peaches, nectarines, pears, plums and apricots.

CAP Cooperation: Spain and France signed a joint declaration to deepen agricultural ties and defend the Common Agricultural Policy, stressing food security and the impact of higher input costs like fertilizers and fuel. Water Crisis in Murcia: The Tagus-Segura water transfer will stay shut for months after major canal damage, with repairs estimated to resume in 2027—raising alarms for winter vegetable supply. EU Budget Pressure: EU governments are preparing for long-term budget cuts of over €100bn, putting farm subsidies and regional payments at risk and fueling uncertainty ahead of the Irish presidency talks. Climate-Driven Food Inflation: A new study links rising grocery prices to more persistent extreme weather, warning that “climateflation” is turning temporary spikes into longer-lasting cost pressure for growers and households. Fertilizer & Fuel Cost Shock: The Strait of Hormuz blockade is cited as hitting agricultural production costs, especially fertilizers and energy, reinforcing the push for CAP protection. Aquaculture Debate: Aquaculture stakeholders pushed back against claims in a chef-led anti-salmon campaign, arguing against broad accusations about sea-cage farming.

Water Security: Spain’s Tagus-Segura transfer will stay shut for months after major canal damage in Guadalajara and Albacete, with repairs in stages and an estimated restart in 2027—raising alarms for winter vegetable supply in Murcia and the southeast. EU Budget Fight: EU governments are preparing for cuts of over €100bn in the next long-term budget, with farm subsidies and regional payments at risk as Ireland’s presidency pushes a new negotiating document. CAP Push: Spain and France signed a joint declaration to strengthen agricultural cooperation and defend the CAP as key to EU food security and long-term sovereignty, amid higher fertilizer and fuel costs. Farm Sector Pressure: Castilla y León cooperatives are urged to grow in size, collaborate more, and expand internationally as cereal costs soar and import competition intensifies. Logistics for Produce: Almería could get a new rail export route via the Mediterranean Corridor, potentially cutting transit time to Central Europe to around three days. EU Plant Health: The EU is revising the priority pest list, with possible removals and additions that could affect citrus and fruit-fly controls. Energy Relief for Farmers: Spain approved a third energy relief package, extending fuel tax cuts and continuing a diesel subsidy for farmers and livestock producers through year-end. Agri Trade & Markets: Peruvian Hass avocado exports are forecast 1.9% lower this season, with Europe still the main destination.

EU Budget Standoff: Germany and five other member states threaten to veto the next EU budget unless spending is cut and money shifts away from agricultural subsidies toward defense and new priorities, putting CAP-linked negotiations under pressure. Diesel Shock for Farmers: Spain’s main agrarian groups (ASAJA, COAG, UPA, Unión de Uniones) say the latest diesel price relief is too small and plan coordinated mobilizations, warning winter cereal sowing and olive/maize cycles will hit farm costs hard. CAP Public Opinion: A new Eurobarometer finds 67% of Spaniards have heard of the CAP and 65% think it benefits all citizens; support for paying more for lower-carbon food is slipping. Olive Oil Health Push: The “Lisbon Manifesto” from the Olive Oil World Congress urges governments to treat extra virgin olive oil as a public health resource, with polyphenol info and hospital/school use. Energy Costs & Fertilizer Risk: Spain’s move to comply with EU restrictions on Russian LNG could raise gas prices and production costs for energy-intensive sectors, including fertilizer. Local Ag Governance: Catalonia and California sign a renewed agriculture cooperation MOU focused on sustainability, innovation, and Mediterranean challenges.

Diesel and farm costs pressure: Spain’s agricultural organizations (ASAJA, COAG, UPA and Unión de Uniones) say the latest diesel relief is still too small and are preparing new mobilizations, warning winter cereal sowing and olive campaigns make fuel “almost unbearable,” with dryland cereal costs up sharply year-on-year. Household energy cap: The Government approved a third anti-crisis package extending tax cuts on gasoline and diesel until December and capping the regulated gas tariff rise at 15% for autumn/winter, plus a limit on butane cylinders—aimed at protecting households and also farming and transport. Dairy price transparency: In Galicia, consumer groups are demanding clearer public data on how dairy price changes flow from farm-gate to supermarkets, arguing discounts may not reach consumers fast enough. Olive campaign forecasts: Andalusia will present its 2026-2027 olive production estimate, a key input for Spain’s national olive oil outlook. Donana water stress: A report highlights Donana’s wetlands drying as illegal well extraction grows, tied to Europe’s year-round fruit and vegetable demand. Wild boar disease control: Catalonia is paying for wild boar capture and culls under a €2.2m plan to limit African swine fever and protect farmland and livestock. EU budget fight: Spain’s autonomies are pushing for a direct role in designing and managing the next EU budget (2028-2034), arguing simplification must not mean centralization of cohesion and agriculture funds.

Olive Oil Forecasts: Andalusia will present its olive grove capacity and production estimate for the 2026-2027 campaign on Tuesday in Mengíbar (Jaén), feeding into Spain’s national olive oil forecast expected before the weekend. Poultry Health Watch: Newcastle disease is re-emerging across Europe, with outbreaks reported in multiple countries including Spain; the key message is that vaccine protection still holds across genotypes, but failures in vaccination delivery and controlling spread between farms are driving cases. Fishing Agreement Pressure: Spain has urged the EU to intensify talks to renew the fishing agreement with Mauritania, warning the protocol ending mid-November could push the EU—and especially Spanish fleets—out of a major historic fishing ground. Energy Cost Relief: Spain is preparing a new anti-crisis package to cushion soaring energy prices, as fuel discounts are set to expire and farmers, hauliers and fishing groups warn of mounting pressure. Kiwifruit Update: Yellow kiwifruit volumes are set to top 10,000 tonnes in Italy, Greece, France and Spain, with sales starting mid-October and a push to strengthen consortium organization. Food Supply Chain: Mondelez’s Harmony wheat sustainability scheme is moving to independent governance under ProTerra, aligning with new EU sustainability-labelling rules.

Energy-cost pressure on Spain’s farms: Spain is preparing a new anti-crisis package as diesel and petrol prices keep climbing and support measures are set to expire, squeezing farmers, hauliers and fishing groups. Wheat sustainability governance: Mondelez’s Harmony wheat scheme is handing day-to-day running to ProTerra, turning it into an independent certification setup under new EU sustainability-labelling rules. Fresh produce supply moves: A Spanish butternut squash specialist says it can deliver year-round supply from Spain, while a Torribas deal adds land and extends sweet potato and rotation crops into the Guadalquivir Valley. Market shocks in fruit: Málaga’s mango season is down sharply versus last year, with cheaper overseas arrivals adding price pressure. Trade friction: Morocco has introduced an import licensing system for fresh garlic, catching Spanish exporters off guard. Greenhouse veg outlook: An Almería greenhouse exporter warns autumn could be volatile for sweet peppers and vine tomatoes, with planting delays and El Niño effects in play. Organic and variety updates: Spain-linked agri-tech and breeding news includes Fruit Attraction preparations and new variety field-day progress (like Canopy in Italy).

Energy & Farming Costs: Spain is set to approve a new anti-crisis package to cushion price rises tied to the Iran war, with support for the agri-food sector including compensation for higher agricultural diesel costs. Livestock Markets: EU finished pig prices are recovering more slowly as disease risks and production constraints weigh on the market; Spain is cited among the countries where heat-related supply tightening helped earlier strength. Fresh Produce & Trade: Spain’s pepper and cucumber specialist Agroponiente has reopened the Guardias Viejas auction, a key signal for growers as seasonal volumes move. Water & Food Security Innovation: A Kuwait program backed with Spain’s IE University selected five projects for an international Spain track focused on food and water security. Climate & Fisheries Pressure: Europe’s marine heatwaves are pushing fish and seafood ecosystems out of balance, threatening fisheries that support coastal communities including in Spain. Food Prices vs Wages: Euronews reports minimum-wage workers in Spain and France have lost ground as food prices rose faster than pay.

EU Pork Market: Finished pig prices in the EU are recovering more slowly as disease risks linger and production pressures build, with Spain and Germany hit by heat-related supply constraints. Energy Cost Relief: Spain is preparing a new anti-crisis shield after the Iran-war-driven price surge, with support for households and an extension of aid to the agri-food sector, including compensation for higher agricultural diesel costs. Food Affordability: Euronews reports that minimum-wage workers in Spain and France have lost ground on food over five years, even as EU food prices rose sharply. Marine Heat Impact: Record European sea temperatures are threatening fisheries, with marine heatwaves linked to species shifts and growing pressure on coastal food systems. Water & Greenhouses in Almería: A RAZOR feature highlights how Almería’s greenhouse agriculture is pushing water-saving tech and research, including drip irrigation and plant sensors, to cut water, fertiliser and pesticide use. Valencian Agri-Food Exports: Comunitat Valenciana agri-food exports reached €6,219.7m in Jan–Jul 2026, showing the sector’s weight and a slight uptick versus the national trend.

Agri-food exports: Spain’s agri-food sector keeps its export pull, with the Comunitat Valenciana hitting €6,219.7m in foreign sales from January to July 2026 (about 26.3% of total Valencian exports), and a positive trade balance of €2,168.1m. Energy costs for farming: European governments are extending fuel support and tax relief as diesel prices bite, with Spain among the countries backing transport and agricultural businesses. Water stress in Almería: A new focus on water-saving in Spain’s greenhouse heartland highlights drip irrigation and plant-sensing tech, alongside research into desalination options for fresh water. Protected crops and soil pollution: Spanish researchers report a validated method to detect microplastics in Almería greenhouse soils, mapping key polymers and improving how contamination is measured. Biocontrol push: Koppert launches Macan, a biological foliar fungicide developed with Málaga research, targeting rusts and multiple leaf diseases in crops like soybean, corn and sugarcane. Climate pressure on fisheries: Record marine heatwaves are reshaping European seas, threatening fisheries and marine life, with impacts felt in Spain’s coastal communities.

Marine Heat Threatens Fisheries: Reuters reports Europe’s seas hit record highs this summer, with a buoy near Mallorca reaching 33.02°C—raising fears for fish stocks and coastal jobs as marine heatwaves intensify. Circular Citrus Power in Seville: Nearly 6 million kilos of bitter oranges are diverted from streets to electricity in Seville, with juicing and composting that cuts waste and methane from unmanaged decay. Valencian Agri-Food Exports Hold Up: Comunitat Valenciana logged €6,219.7m in agri-food exports Jan–Jul 2026, up slightly vs Spain overall, and keeps a strong trade surplus. Fuel Shock Relief for Farms: Europe is cushioning diesel and energy costs via subsidies and tax cuts; Spain extends fuel support for transport and agricultural businesses. Water-Saving Tech in Almería: A RAZOR feature spotlights Almería’s push to stretch scarce water using drip irrigation, plant sensors, and desalination research for greenhouse farming. Biocontrol Innovation: Koppert launches Macan, a biological foliar fungicide developed with a Málaga strain, targeting rusts and leaf diseases in crops like soybean, corn, and sugarcane. Greenhouse Soil Plastic Pollution: Spanish researchers validate a protocol to detect microplastics in Almería greenhouse soils, improving how plastic contamination is measured in intensive farming. Digital Agriculture Push: Spain’s agriculture ministry highlights AI and digital tools for irrigation and farm profitability at a smart agriculture forum.

Digital Agriculture Push: Spain’s Agriculture Minister Luis Planas backed digitalization and smart irrigation as tools for farm profitability and generational renewal, highlighting tech use from the Ebro Valley to smarter rural management. Aphid Threat to Lettuce: England faces a severe currant-lettuce aphid outbreak, with growers warning up to 30% of the crop could be wasted and retailers likely shifting to Spanish supplies as the domestic season ends. Spain-Latin America Trade: Spain-Latin America export volumes rose 30% in 2026, signaling stronger agri-food links. Citrus & Fruit Signals: Outlooks for Ribera PDO blond oranges and rising Spanish berry prices point to shifting seasonal dynamics. Energy Costs Pressure Farms: Europe’s fuel-price shock is driving subsidies and tax/policy changes, with knock-on effects for agricultural operating costs. Plant Protein Investment: Elian secured €40M to scale EU plant protein production, aiming to boost supply resilience.

UN Human Rights Watchlist: The UN human rights office added 61 more companies tied to illegal Israeli West Bank settlements, bringing the total to 214 across 11 countries; Spain’s Salvat Logistica is among the newly listed firms, alongside major names in tech, finance, construction and agriculture-linked supply chains. EU Energy Rules: The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against 26 EU states after only Italy met the deadline to fully transpose the hydrogen and decarbonised gases market directive, with Spain included in the formal notice. Spanish Poultry Outlook: Spain’s chicken sector is set to expand in 2027 as margins stay positive and domestic demand holds, while consolidation continues among major players. Food & Fuel Pressure: Europe is weighing subsidies, taxes and policy pauses to blunt record diesel and gasoline prices—an issue that could hit households, farmers and transport costs. Wheat Under Heat: New research from Spain’s University of Lleida finds early heat before flowering hurts wheat yields most, though it may help plants build resilience for later heatwaves.