Spain calls for EU drought response and CAP funding

During an informal meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in Dublin, Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas called for a coordinated European response to combat persistent droughts and extreme weather. Planas emphasized the need for sufficient funding within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the 2028-2034 budget period to address climate-related crises and ensure food security.

In addition to drought relief, the discussions focused on agricultural competitiveness and innovation. Planas highlighted Spain's leadership in applying new genomic techniques (NGT), which allow for the development of plant varieties more resistant to drought, pests, and climate change. He also urged the European Commission to include fisheries and aquaculture in its protein strategy to reduce external dependencies and strengthen the bloc's autonomy.

European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen encouraged member states to utilize existing flexibilities within the CAP to support producers facing yield losses. The debate also addressed the rising costs of fertilizers and the necessity of a robust financial framework to manage natural disasters and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.