Spanish agricultural cooperatives refinance debt and launch youth olive farming program

Grup Cooperatiu Unió, the largest agricultural cooperative group in Catalonia, secured a refinancing agreement with about a dozen financial institutions to restructure €37 million of debt across its four main societies. The deal, completed in July 2026, follows the ousting of former CEO David Miralles and the appointment of Xavier Roldan Rodríguez, who said the goal is to "close the complex financing we have" and to pursue a strategic plan that includes consolidating work centres and cutting costs.

Meanwhile, the olive‑oil cooperative Grupo Interóleo is expanding its VivaOliva initiative to 200 participants in 2026, aiming to address the aging farmer population in Jaén where the average age is 62. The programme, developed with the PepsiCo Foundation and Alvalle, combines regenerative agriculture practices, technical training, and support for young people and women, offering workshops, individual advice and financing for specialised machinery to ensure the sector’s profitability and generational renewal.