Catalonia pork sector and Collserola park hit by African swine fever restrictions

Since the first case of African swine fever (PPA) was confirmed on 28 May, the Catalan government has kept the Collserola Natural Park closed to most visitors. Restaurant owners inside the park report a drop of 15‑20 % in turnover, with one saying, "we had almost 200 toasts on a Sunday and now we’re down to about 80".

The disease has also devastated the wider pork industry. Live‑pig prices have fallen to €1.29 per kilogram, below the €1.37‑€1.40 production cost. The Union of Farmers estimates six‑month losses of €243 million in Catalonia—particularly in Lleida, which supplies 60 % of the region’s pork—and €900 million across Spain. Export markets have shifted, with competition from cheaper Brazilian pork adding pressure. Farmers and agricultural organisations are urging the government for targeted credit lines and other support measures to weather the crisis.

Local residents have started a petition demanding a partial reopening of Collserola, gathering over 5,000 signatures, while the regional agriculture minister says a flexible lifting of restrictions is being studied.