Spain launches EU‑backed initiatives to boost olive sector sustainability and circular economy

A training programme for Spanish olive growers took place under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy 2023‑2027, with 43 % of its €326,220.79 budget funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the remainder by the Spanish state. Speakers addressed profitability, circular‑economy practices, digitalisation and new technologies to improve the sector’s competitiveness and environmental footprint.

In Ciudad Real, a technical forum titled “The future of the circular economy: regulatory framework and 2030 objectives” brought together municipal officials, academics and industry experts to discuss Spain’s recycling targets. Participants highlighted that the EU 2035 goal is to recycle at least 65 % of waste and limit landfill to 10 %. They warned that failure to meet these targets could trigger sanctions, and called for higher landfill taxes, stronger environmental education and greater funding for local waste‑management capacities.