Lorraine Williamson
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has warned that climate change poses the greatest threat to agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries in Spain. Speaking at the launch of the National Food Strategy (ENA), he called for decisive policies to safeguard the sector.
“The agriculture and food sector faces enormous challenges. Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest. Even sceptics can no longer ignore it. We must act decisively,” Sánchez stated.
Impact of trade wars
Beyond climate change, Sánchez highlighted the effects of trade wars, particularly the import tariffs previously imposed by US President Donald Trump. These, he said, had harmed European agricultural exports.
“Trade wars have no winners, only losers. The most vulnerable, those with the least financial resources, are the hardest hit,” he warned.
Spain’s National Food Strategy
The National Food Strategy, approved by the Council of Ministers and now under European Commission review, aims to build a sustainable and efficient food system. “Food is more than sustenance. It represents our history and culture. Olive groves, vineyards—each product tells a story about Spain,” Sánchez said.
The strategy provides a framework for government policy and private sector support, focusing on three pillars: quality, safety, and innovation.
Six key points of the ENA
The National Food Strategy is based on six core principles:
- Food sovereignty as a strategic pillar for Europe.
- Sustainability, with a commitment to greener agricultural policies. Spain, second only to France in organic farming, has modernised 80% of its irrigation lands for efficient water management.
- Support for rural and coastal areas through digitalisation, technology, and family business support. Over 900,000 agricultural businesses rely on family operations.
- Healthy nutrition, supported by the National Strategy Against Childhood Obesity. The food sector is encouraged to contribute to this initiative.
- Innovation and technology, with Spain leading in agritech. Over 800 companies and startups are active in this field.
- Consumer protection and transparency, ensuring clear food labelling. “Thirty percent of food-related fake news misleads consumers,” Sánchez noted.
Spain as a global food powerhouse
Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, stressed that the strategy was developed in consultation with key stakeholders. He called for policies to help the sector adapt, remain profitable, and ensure sustainability.
The ENA tackles three major challenges:
- Strengthening food production and exports – Spain is Europe’s fourth-largest agricultural exporter and seventh worldwide. The plan aims to enhance this position.
- Ensuring sustainability – Rising temperatures and water shortages require urgent adaptation measures.
- Protecting rural areas and encouraging new farmers – Critical for the sector’s long-term survival.
With this strategy, Spain seeks to lead in sustainable food production and mitigate the climate crisis’s impact on its agriculture. “We are investing in our land, our farmers, and our planet’s future,” Sánchez concluded.
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