Zafra International Livestock Fair opens amid agricultural debates

The International Livestock Fair (FIG) in Zafra has opened its latest edition, featuring over 2,000 head of livestock. The event serves as a platform for debating critical challenges facing the Spanish and Extremaduran agricultural sectors, including rising production costs, animal health, and the Common Agricultural Policy (PAC).

During the official inauguration, Begoña García Bernal, Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food, emphasized the need for unity to defend the sector. She noted that the government has mobilized 1,174 million euros through various decrees to support fertilizers, agricultural diesel, and credit lines. Discussions also focused on securing 47,000 million euros for the 2028-2034 PAC period and promoting generational renewal and exports.

Regional officials, including Extremadura's Agriculture Counselor Juan José García, called for reduced bureaucracy and greater reciprocity regarding products from third countries. Regarding animal health, Extremadura reported two confirmed cases of bluetongue with minimal impact and no mortality, while epizootic hemorrhagic disease remains under control.

In a personal highlight of the event, Santiago Malpica, a veterinarian and long-time figure associated with the fair, was named a ‘hijo predilecto’ (favorite son) of the region, receiving recognition for his decades of service to the livestock community.