Spanish regions implement agricultural subsidy adjustments

Spanish regional governments are implementing measures to support the agricultural sector through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The Junta de Extremadura has authorized an exceptional early payment of 220 million euros to farmers and livestock breeders. This move, made possible by recent changes to EU Regulation 2021/2115, aims to compensate for the rising costs of fertilizers and other inputs caused by the crisis in the Middle East. The advance increases the prepayment percentage from 70% to 75% and is being processed ahead of the traditional October 16 start date.

In Castilla y León, authorities have declared an exceptional circumstance due to a plague of field voles. To allow farmers to control the rodent population without losing subsidies, the regional government is relaxing the requirements for CAP eco-schemes. This flexibility ensures that pest control activities do not result in penalties for failing to meet sustainability commitments, such as maintaining specific crop rotations or vegetation covers.