Catalonia farmers and winemakers press government for urgent aid

The Junts parliamentary group in the Catalan Parliament submitted a series of questions to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, demanding urgent measures to safeguard the viability of the region’s viticulture sector. Deputy Montse Ortiz criticised the government’s shock plan as insufficient, highlighting a persistent imbalance between grape supply and wine demand, excess grape and base wine stocks, and the need for policies that promote the use of Catalan grapes, including tax adjustments and de‑alcoholisation facilities.

Separately, the farmers’ union Unió de Pagesos warned that the Department of Agriculture will not provide drought‑relief aid for almond and carob growers, despite an 80% drop in almond yields and a 50% decline in carob production caused by the 2022‑2024 dry spell. The union proposed €180 per hectare in compensation and threatened mobilisations if aid is not announced for 2026, citing severe price drops and liquidity concerns for affected producers.