Spanish regional leaders demand water and budget support for agriculture

Local authorities in the Alicante region are calling for increased administrative support to address water shortages affecting the agricultural sector. In Villena, Mayor Fulgencio Cerdán has requested an extension for groundwater extraction for the 2026-2027 hydrological year. Cerdán expressed concern that a lack of progress on the Júcar-Vinalopó transfer works by the Generalitat Valenciana, combined with the refusal of the Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar to extend extraction limits, could lead to the bankruptcy of many farmers.

Cerdán noted that extraction levels in previous years were below established limits and that aquifers show sufficient recovery. He emphasized that groundwater is vital for farmers who lack access to transfer water.

In Elche, Councilor Pedro José Díaz is advocating for increased investment in the Camp d’Elx region within the 2027 municipal budgets. Díaz highlighted that approximately 90% of the municipality is rural and called for greater involvement from regional and state administrations to manage water resources, production costs, and bureaucratic burdens facing local farmers.