Spanish agriculture faces storm damage, pest outbreaks, and rising costs

Spanish agricultural sectors are facing multiple economic challenges, including severe weather damage, pest infestations, and rising production costs. In the Valencia region, La Unió Llauradora estimates initial losses of 14.3 million euros due to recent storms, wind, and hail in the Ribera Alta and Ribera Baixa areas. The damage affects 6,584 hectares, with persimmon crops accounting for 80% of the economic impact, alongside significant damage to citrus fruits.

In the Albufera rice fields, AVA-Asaja reports that the ‘cucat’ pest has caused losses of up to 34% of production. The organization is calling for an investigation into the effectiveness of current pest control treatments and seeking compensation for affected farmers.

In Castilla y León, the UCCL has denounced large wineries in the Rueda DO for offering grape prices significantly below the minimum production cost of 60 cents per kilogram, alleging a violation of the ‘Ley de la Cadena’.

Furthermore, producers are struggling with soaring input costs. Since 2020, agricultural fuel prices have risen by over 90%, fertilizers by 82%, and energy by 48%. Meanwhile, in the Canary Islands, local banana producers face intense competition from imported varieties, which have captured 54-64% of the mainland Spanish market.