Spain's agriculture hit by heatwave and wildfires

A severe summer heatwave in Burgos province has halted the germination of sunflower crops, with more than half of the planted area affected, according to UPA provincial secretary Gabriel Delgado. Farmers have activated insurance and face rising fertilizer prices while water supplies remain scarce, raising concerns of a disastrous harvest.

In Andalusia's Andévalo region, extensive forest fires have destroyed farms, livestock facilities, water infrastructure and pastures across the municipalities of Alosno, Gibraleón, San Bartolomé de la Torre and Villanueva de los Castillejos. Delegates from the regional agriculture ministry toured the damage with Asaja‑Huelva representatives and local officials, confirming the need for emergency aid and coordinated relief measures.

Both events underline the growing vulnerability of Spain’s agricultural sector to climate‑related extremes, prompting calls for faster assistance and longer‑term adaptation strategies.