Spanish farmers demand urgent aid amid rising production costs

Spanish agricultural organizations, including Asaja, COAG, UPA, Unión de Uniones, and Cooperativas Agroalimentarias, have met with Agriculture Minister Luis Planas to demand immediate direct aid. The sector is facing a crisis driven by rising production costs, specifically a nearly 50% increase in agricultural diesel prices linked to the conflict in Iran.

Leaders warned that without significant intervention, up to 40% of crops, primarily herbaceous ones, may not be planted, which could threaten Spain’s food sovereignty and lead to higher consumer prices. Representatives from COAG requested diesel price compensation of up to 70%, the maximum allowed by the European Union, and called for better support regarding fertilizers and agricultural plastics.

Additionally, farmers expressed frustration that previously promised aid for fertilizer costs has only reached half of the intended recipients. The organizations have threatened continued mobilizations if a decisive and certain package of measures is not implemented to ensure the sector's survival.