AGP Executive Report

Spanish Politics & Housing: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap general election for Nov. 29 after parliament rejected key housing measures, with protests over evictions and soaring costs continuing to build pressure. Frozen Seafood & Trade: In Vigo, CONXEMAR’s Congress-FAO-MAPA event highlighted competitiveness and innovation as Venezuela announced it will take part in the fair to expand European market links. Seafood Deal: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova sold its French refrigerated shrimp business to Ecuador’s Omarsa, aiming to focus on higher-value frozen operations while protecting jobs via employee transfer. Olive Oil Market Signal (Greece, for context): Greece’s new olive oil season opened with a first commercial deal at €5.95/kg, showing producers face cost squeeze and weaker prices. Horticulture Research (Spain-linked): A Málaga-CSIC team studied aroma genetics in woodland strawberry, spotlighting how natural variation could help recover fruit quality traits. Agrifood Exports (Morocco-EU): Morocco reported €2.66B in agri-food exports to the EU in the first seven months of 2026, with fresh produce still leading.

Snap Election Shock (Spain): Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election for Nov. 29 after parliament rejected key housing measures, with protests over rents and evictions continuing to build pressure. EU Budget Fight for Farmers (Spain in the mix): Seventeen EU states, including Spain, have urged the Irish EU presidency to protect cohesion policy and the CAP in the 2028–2034 budget, warning that cuts would weaken support for farmers and regions. Seafood Trade (Vigo): Conxemar kicked off its XIV Congress-FAO-MAPA in Vigo under “Smart Blue Leadership,” focusing on competitiveness, traceability, innovation and the “blue economy.” Frozen Seafood Market (Venezuela at Conxemar): Venezuela will participate in Conxemar (Oct. 6–8) to diversify its economy and expand European market links for marine products. Livestock Outlook (EU, with Spain impact): USDA forecasts EU pig slaughter rising slightly in 2026, while noting ASF detection in Spain and expected limits on piglet uptake later in the year.

EU Budget Push for Farmers: Seventeen EU leaders, including Spain, urged Ireland’s rotating presidency to protect CAP and Cohesion funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, warning that deeper cuts would weaken the “backbone” policies. Climate Pressure on Food: A report on Europe’s hottest summer links heat and drought to major losses in key crops, with Spain among the hardest hit grain producers. Spain Farm Labour & Growth: Spain surpassed 3.6 million foreign workers registered with Social Security, with agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing among the fastest-growing sectors. Water Stress Watch: Murcia is again raising alarms over the Tagus-Segura water transfer, fearing closures could become permanent. Invasive Species Update: A study revisits how Louisiana red swamp crayfish entered Spain (including rice fields and the Guadiana basin) and why eradication remains near-impossible. Agriculture & Policy Context: The week also highlighted how EU budget decisions and climate shocks are tightening margins for producers across the bloc.

EU Farm Funding Push: Seventeen EU leaders, including Spain, have urged Ireland’s EU presidency to protect CAP and Cohesion funding in the next 2028–2034 budget talks, warning cuts would “weaken” the bloc and undermine treaty-based policies. Climate & Grain Shock: A new assessment links extreme summer heat and drought to major European grain losses, with Spain estimated at about 1.2 million tonnes (valued around €220m), raising concerns for wider food-price pressure. Spanish Labor Market & Ag Jobs: Spain has topped 3.6 million foreign workers registered with Social Security; agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing are among the fastest-growing sectors, up 8.6% year-on-year. Aquatic Invasives in Spain: A study revisits how Louisiana’s red swamp crayfish was introduced to Spain (including rice fields and the Guadiana basin) and why it remains extremely hard to eradicate. Local Farming Culture: Spain’s agricultural calendar also shows up in everyday life, from October garlic planting guidance to harvest-season stories and regional food traditions.

EU Farm Funding Push: Seventeen EU leaders, including Spain, urged the Irish EU presidency to protect Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion funding in the next budget talks, warning cuts would weaken the EU’s backbone policies. Green City Spotlight (Spain): Zaragoza is among five Spanish finalists for the EU’s 2026 European Green Capital, with Benidorm and Chiclana de la Frontera also shortlisted for the Green Leaf awards. Grain Shock Watch: A new estimate puts Europe’s grain losses at 16.7 million tonnes (about €3.2bn), with Spain hit at roughly 1.2 million tonnes (€220m), raising concerns for wider food-price pressure. Livestock Prices: Spain is topping EU farmgate lamb prices at over €10/kg as supplies stay tight, while other markets firm more slowly. Seafood Policy: Vigo’s Conxemar FAO-MAPA Congress opens as frozen seafood producers and policymakers align on sector priorities. Water & Farming Stress: Murcia faces fears that Tagus-Segura water closures could become permanent, adding pressure to irrigated agriculture.

EU Budget Push: Seventeen EU countries, including Spain, urged Ireland’s rotating presidency to protect farm and cohesion funding in the next MFF, warning that cuts would weaken the CAP and cohesion policy. Farmgate Snapshot: Spain is topping EU farmgate lamb prices at over €10/kg as supplies stay tight and EU production runs about 5% lower in the first half of 2026. Fisheries & Aquaculture: Spain’s Agriculture Minister Luis Planas will open Conxemar FAO-MAPA in Vigo and sign a Spain–Namibia cooperation MoU on fishing and aquaculture. Water & Rivers: A new study says European rivers are improving but not fast enough for 2030 targets; Spain is among countries where some measures worsened. Energy Pressure: Another EU energy price shock is being blamed on the Iran–Ukraine wars, with fears that households may have to choose between heating and food this winter. Ports & Logistics: A Galicia op-ed argues the region’s ports should be treated as a cohesive system, not competing silos, to better serve agriculture-linked trade.

EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU countries, including Spain, Italy and Romania, have joined forces to oppose cuts to agriculture and cohesion funding in the 2028–2034 budget, warning that trimming the CAP and regional policy would weaken the bloc. CAP & Farm Costs: Eurostat data shows EU farm output prices fell 5.8% in Q2 2026 while input costs (energy, fertilisers, feed) rose 4.7%, squeezing margins—milk prices dropped 16.6%. Water Pressure in Murcia: Spain’s agriculture minister has warned against a “backdoor closure” of the Tagus–Segura transfer after canal damage, urging faster repairs and protection of authorised water volumes for autumn planting decisions. Fishing & Aquaculture: Luis Planas will open Conxemar FAO-MAPA in Vigo and sign a Spain–Namibia cooperation MoU on fishing and aquaculture. Climate Impact on Food: A new EU study says rivers are improving but not fast enough for 2030 targets, with Spain among countries where measures worsened.

EU Farm Economics: Eurostat says EU agricultural output prices fell 5.8% year-on-year in Q2 2026, while input costs (energy, fertilisers, feed) rose 4.7%, squeezing margins—milk was down 16.6% and cereals down 5.6%. Spain Water Stress: Spain’s Murcia region warns the Tagus-Segura transfer could be effectively shut after canal breaks, with officials pushing to speed repairs and protect authorised volumes so autumn/winter planting decisions aren’t lost. CAP & EU Budget Fight: Seventeen “cohesion-friendly” countries—including Spain—ask the EU to preserve funding for agriculture and poorer regions ahead of the 2028–2034 budget talks; Copa vice president Francie Gorman was re-elected, pledging to defend a stronger CAP. Fuel Cost Pressure: Farmers in Portugal blocked the National Road 260 near the Spanish border over high diesel prices and weak support, highlighting how energy costs are hitting cross-border freight and planting. Heat Damage Watch: New analysis links Europe’s extreme heat and drought to major grain losses, with Spain among the affected countries.

EU Food & Fruit Promotion: The EU-backed “SNACK SMART” campaign launches in Germany and Spain to boost daily fresh fruit and veg consumption, spotlighting peaches, nectarines, pears, plums and apricots. Water & Energy Pressure on Farms: A new analysis warns that autumn food prices could rise again as global shocks hit Mediterranean produce and as Europe’s heat, drought and wildfires squeeze olive oil output. Plant Health Rules: The EU is weighing changes to its priority pest list, including possible removal of black spot and three fruit fly species—an update that could reshape citrus and fruit growers’ compliance costs. Sheepmeat Market Tightening: EU sheepmeat supplies are tightening in 2026 as production falls (including Spain) while export demand stays strong, pushing reference prices higher then easing. Aquaculture Business: Stolt Sea Farm reports higher Q3 revenue but lower profit due to fair value adjustments, while highlighting its new sole hatchery in Galicia. Spain Agriculture & Climate Context: Spain’s water scarcity risk remains a major constraint for fruit and vegetable production, with drought and resource stress continuing to shape what can be grown.

Solar Power & Local Industry: X-Elio has inaugurated a 368MW photovoltaic plant near Lorca (Murcia), a €335m project spanning 363.5 hectares and aimed at powering about 196,000 homes a year. Invasive Species Watch: Spain’s Balearic Parliament is urging the central government to list the horseshoe snake as an invasive exotic species, pushing for stronger controls on Ibiza and Mallorca. EU Plant Health Rules: The EU is revising its priority quarantine pest list, with proposals to add nine pests and remove four citrus threats—an issue that could reshape how growers prepare for fruit fly and black spot risks. Agri-Food Promotion: Iberia and the Royal Academy of Gastronomy are teaming up to spotlight Spanish agri-food products in 2027, including seafood preserves, garden produce and extra virgin olive oil. Sheepmeat Market Pressure: EU sheepmeat supplies are tightening in 2026 as production falls—Spain’s output is down 5% year-on-year—while reference prices rise then soften. Fresh Fruit Demand Campaign: The EU-backed “SNACK SMART” programme targets Germany and Spain to boost everyday consumption of peaches, nectarines, pears, plums and apricots.

CAP Cooperation: Spain and France signed a joint declaration to deepen agricultural ties and defend the Common Agricultural Policy, stressing food security and the impact of higher input costs like fertilizers and fuel. Water Crisis in Murcia: The Tagus-Segura water transfer will stay shut for months after major canal damage, with repairs estimated to resume in 2027—raising alarms for winter vegetable supply. EU Budget Pressure: EU governments are preparing for long-term budget cuts of over €100bn, putting farm subsidies and regional payments at risk and fueling uncertainty ahead of the Irish presidency talks. Climate-Driven Food Inflation: A new study links rising grocery prices to more persistent extreme weather, warning that “climateflation” is turning temporary spikes into longer-lasting cost pressure for growers and households. Fertilizer & Fuel Cost Shock: The Strait of Hormuz blockade is cited as hitting agricultural production costs, especially fertilizers and energy, reinforcing the push for CAP protection. Aquaculture Debate: Aquaculture stakeholders pushed back against claims in a chef-led anti-salmon campaign, arguing against broad accusations about sea-cage farming.

Water Security: Spain’s Tagus-Segura transfer will stay shut for months after major canal damage in Guadalajara and Albacete, with repairs in stages and an estimated restart in 2027—raising alarms for winter vegetable supply in Murcia and the southeast. EU Budget Fight: EU governments are preparing for cuts of over €100bn in the next long-term budget, with farm subsidies and regional payments at risk as Ireland’s presidency pushes a new negotiating document. CAP Push: Spain and France signed a joint declaration to strengthen agricultural cooperation and defend the CAP as key to EU food security and long-term sovereignty, amid higher fertilizer and fuel costs. Farm Sector Pressure: Castilla y León cooperatives are urged to grow in size, collaborate more, and expand internationally as cereal costs soar and import competition intensifies. Logistics for Produce: Almería could get a new rail export route via the Mediterranean Corridor, potentially cutting transit time to Central Europe to around three days. EU Plant Health: The EU is revising the priority pest list, with possible removals and additions that could affect citrus and fruit-fly controls. Energy Relief for Farmers: Spain approved a third energy relief package, extending fuel tax cuts and continuing a diesel subsidy for farmers and livestock producers through year-end. Agri Trade & Markets: Peruvian Hass avocado exports are forecast 1.9% lower this season, with Europe still the main destination.

EU Budget Standoff: Germany and five other member states threaten to veto the next EU budget unless spending is cut and money shifts away from agricultural subsidies toward defense and new priorities, putting CAP-linked negotiations under pressure. Diesel Shock for Farmers: Spain’s main agrarian groups (ASAJA, COAG, UPA, Unión de Uniones) say the latest diesel price relief is too small and plan coordinated mobilizations, warning winter cereal sowing and olive/maize cycles will hit farm costs hard. CAP Public Opinion: A new Eurobarometer finds 67% of Spaniards have heard of the CAP and 65% think it benefits all citizens; support for paying more for lower-carbon food is slipping. Olive Oil Health Push: The “Lisbon Manifesto” from the Olive Oil World Congress urges governments to treat extra virgin olive oil as a public health resource, with polyphenol info and hospital/school use. Energy Costs & Fertilizer Risk: Spain’s move to comply with EU restrictions on Russian LNG could raise gas prices and production costs for energy-intensive sectors, including fertilizer. Local Ag Governance: Catalonia and California sign a renewed agriculture cooperation MOU focused on sustainability, innovation, and Mediterranean challenges.

Diesel and farm costs pressure: Spain’s agricultural organizations (ASAJA, COAG, UPA and Unión de Uniones) say the latest diesel relief is still too small and are preparing new mobilizations, warning winter cereal sowing and olive campaigns make fuel “almost unbearable,” with dryland cereal costs up sharply year-on-year. Household energy cap: The Government approved a third anti-crisis package extending tax cuts on gasoline and diesel until December and capping the regulated gas tariff rise at 15% for autumn/winter, plus a limit on butane cylinders—aimed at protecting households and also farming and transport. Dairy price transparency: In Galicia, consumer groups are demanding clearer public data on how dairy price changes flow from farm-gate to supermarkets, arguing discounts may not reach consumers fast enough. Olive campaign forecasts: Andalusia will present its 2026-2027 olive production estimate, a key input for Spain’s national olive oil outlook. Donana water stress: A report highlights Donana’s wetlands drying as illegal well extraction grows, tied to Europe’s year-round fruit and vegetable demand. Wild boar disease control: Catalonia is paying for wild boar capture and culls under a €2.2m plan to limit African swine fever and protect farmland and livestock. EU budget fight: Spain’s autonomies are pushing for a direct role in designing and managing the next EU budget (2028-2034), arguing simplification must not mean centralization of cohesion and agriculture funds.

Olive Oil Forecasts: Andalusia will present its olive grove capacity and production estimate for the 2026-2027 campaign on Tuesday in Mengíbar (Jaén), feeding into Spain’s national olive oil forecast expected before the weekend. Poultry Health Watch: Newcastle disease is re-emerging across Europe, with outbreaks reported in multiple countries including Spain; the key message is that vaccine protection still holds across genotypes, but failures in vaccination delivery and controlling spread between farms are driving cases. Fishing Agreement Pressure: Spain has urged the EU to intensify talks to renew the fishing agreement with Mauritania, warning the protocol ending mid-November could push the EU—and especially Spanish fleets—out of a major historic fishing ground. Energy Cost Relief: Spain is preparing a new anti-crisis package to cushion soaring energy prices, as fuel discounts are set to expire and farmers, hauliers and fishing groups warn of mounting pressure. Kiwifruit Update: Yellow kiwifruit volumes are set to top 10,000 tonnes in Italy, Greece, France and Spain, with sales starting mid-October and a push to strengthen consortium organization. Food Supply Chain: Mondelez’s Harmony wheat sustainability scheme is moving to independent governance under ProTerra, aligning with new EU sustainability-labelling rules.

Energy-cost pressure on Spain’s farms: Spain is preparing a new anti-crisis package as diesel and petrol prices keep climbing and support measures are set to expire, squeezing farmers, hauliers and fishing groups. Wheat sustainability governance: Mondelez’s Harmony wheat scheme is handing day-to-day running to ProTerra, turning it into an independent certification setup under new EU sustainability-labelling rules. Fresh produce supply moves: A Spanish butternut squash specialist says it can deliver year-round supply from Spain, while a Torribas deal adds land and extends sweet potato and rotation crops into the Guadalquivir Valley. Market shocks in fruit: Málaga’s mango season is down sharply versus last year, with cheaper overseas arrivals adding price pressure. Trade friction: Morocco has introduced an import licensing system for fresh garlic, catching Spanish exporters off guard. Greenhouse veg outlook: An Almería greenhouse exporter warns autumn could be volatile for sweet peppers and vine tomatoes, with planting delays and El Niño effects in play. Organic and variety updates: Spain-linked agri-tech and breeding news includes Fruit Attraction preparations and new variety field-day progress (like Canopy in Italy).