Catalan agriculture faces drought risks and pricing disputes

Agricultural producers in Catalonia are facing significant economic challenges due to environmental and market pressures. The Unió de Pagesos has warned that rain-fed olive production could see losses of up to 95% in regions such as Urgell, Segarra, and Garrigues if significant rainfall does not occur within the next 15 days. In Urgell and Segarra, total crop loss is possible, with some olives already falling from trees due to drought and high temperatures. Conversely, irrigated olive groves are expected to maintain 70% to 80% of a normal harvest.

In the viticulture sector, a conflict has emerged regarding grape pricing in the Penedès region. Agricultural organizations claim that large cava producers are offering prices significantly below the cost of production. While an INCAVI study estimates production costs between 0.53 and 0.56 euros per kilo, some operators are reportedly offering prices as low as 30 cents per kilo. Some wineries are also allegedly attempting to purchase only a portion of harvests at previous years' prices, relegating the rest to table wine at even lower rates. The cava producers' association, AECAVA, has been urged to address these potential abuses.