Lorraine Williamson
Farmers in Jaén and Córdoba are mounting opposition to the development of industrial-scale solar parks on olive-growing land. In areas like Lopera, Arjona, and Marmolejo, residents say the projects threaten to erase a centuries-old agricultural tradition.
At least 25 solar energy installations are planned in Jaén province, including eight in the Campiña Norte region. Farmers and local groups argue that these developments could destroy over 1,000 hectares of working farmland. More than 100,000 olive trees may be lost if the projects move ahead as planned.
Land expropriation fuels backlash
Companies behind the projects include Greenalia Power and FRV Arroyadas. In some areas, olive groves have already been removed, and expropriations have begun. The Campiña Norte Platform, a coalition of local stakeholders, claims the process has not been as voluntary as officials suggest.
According to the Andalucian Ministry of Agriculture, compulsory purchase orders are rare—less than 1% of cases involve forced expropriation. Yet, campaigners argue that many farmers signed lease agreements under pressure. “These aren’t partnerships; they’re ultimatums,” said one platform member in a letter to regional authorities.
Activists take their campaign to Parliament
In protest, farmers are organising petitions and demonstrations. More than 80,000 people have signed a petition titled ‘Save the Centenary Olive Trees of Lopera’, now submitted to the Andalucian Parliament. On 13 May, campaigners from SOS Rural and the Campiña Norte Platform visited a site where trees were being felled. One activist chained himself to a tree in protest.
Policy dispute over land use rights
Despite public pushback, the regional Ministry of Sustainability and Environment has approved the solar park proposals, classifying them as projects of public utility. This legal classification allows land to be expropriated if agreements cannot be reached between developers and landowners.
Campaigners argue the legal framework favours large companies over rural communities. They say national and EU policy is being used to justify the loss of productive farmland.
Disappointment after dialogue with officials
On 22 May, campaign representatives met with regional officials, including Energy Minister Jorge Paradela and energy advisor Manuel Larrasa. However, the meeting failed to deliver concrete action.
“They listened, but refused to act,” said Natalia Corbalán of SOS Rural. Rafael Alcalá from the Campiña Norte Platform warned: “They call solar energy the new oil of Andalucia. That should worry us all.”
Calls for law to protect agricultural soil
Opponents of the solar parks say they support renewable energy—but not at the cost of prime agricultural land. They are calling for new regulations to prioritise solar development on degraded or marginal land, rather than displacing working farms.
“Our groves are not just trees,” said one protestor. “They’re our livelihoods and our heritage. We’ll keep fighting.”
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