Agriculture
245 newsReaders can follow how national headlines become local stories across Spanish cities, regions, institutions and communities.
Valencian Weather Network Faces Record Demand After Deadly Storms
Valencia’s weather network saw record online traffic after catastrophic storms left 231 dead. Volunteers and farmers now rely on real-time data as climate extremes reshape daily life. Authorities turn to local stations for urgent decisions.
Cádiz puts unemployed farm workers first in new SEPE hiring push
A new SEPE initiative in Cádiz channels public funds into local projects that must give preference to unemployed agricultural workers. Town halls have just 15 days to apply, with strict rules on how jobs are filled and funds are spent.
Migrant Workers Crowded Into Unsafe Housing as Agrarian Mafias Profit in Valladolid
In Nava del Rey, Valladolid, foreign seasonal workers are packed into unsafe, overcrowded housing and endure harsh working conditions. Local mafias and landowners profit, while authorities struggle to intervene. Tensions rise as the town’s population shrinks.
Over 600 Olive Oil Mills in Spain and Portugal Face Closure by 2036
A new study warns that more than a quarter of olive oil mills in Spain and Portugal could shut down within ten years. Small producers struggle to compete as costs rise and market power concentrates among a few large groups.
September: The Best Month to Plant Cold-Resistant Flowers for Winter Color
As summer fades, September offers the perfect conditions to plant flowers that withstand winter’s chill. Species like pansies, cyclamens, and primroses can root now and bloom when the cold arrives, bringing life to gardens and balconies through the darker months.
Catalonia Expands Financial Aid to Businesses Hit by Swine Fever Controls
Catalonia will offer financial support to businesses affected by swine fever restrictions. The aid targets restaurants and farms in closed green areas. Companies must show a 30% drop in turnover to qualify.
Why Fran Left a 20-Year Career to Build a Life Around 400 Beehives
After two decades in construction, Francisco José González García—known as Fran—traded his stable job for the uncertain world of beekeeping. Now, he manages 400 hives across three provinces, producing and selling natural honey under the Mielegante brand. His story reveals both the challenges and rewards of rural self-employment in Spain.
Catalonia Launches Its Largest Solar Park Amid Local Opposition
Catalonia has opened its biggest solar park in Alcarràs, adding 300 megawatts to the grid. The project, backed by the regional government, has sparked debate among local councils and social groups. Another 100 megawatts will be added soon.
Andalusian Government Blocks Major Irrigated Farm in Almería Biological Corridor
The Junta de Andalucía has rejected a 500-hectare irrigation project near Almería. The decision cites water scarcity and irreversible harm to protected habitats. Environmental groups call it a key victory for local biodiversity.
Paquiño Fears His Century-Old Machines Will Fall Silent
José Francisco Fernández, known as Paquiño, keeps agricultural machines over 100 years old running for Galdo’s traditional harvest festival. As fewer people know how to operate them, he worries the craft will disappear when he no longer can. A recent documentary brought his story to a wider audience.
Chinese Farmer Loses 10 Hectares of Sesame After Trusting AI Pesticide Advice
A 67-year-old farmer in China lost his entire sesame harvest after following a pesticide plan suggested by an AI chatbot. The incident highlights the risks of relying on artificial intelligence for critical agricultural decisions without expert verification.
Tornado Leaves Trail of Damage in Antromero as Recovery Begins
A sudden tornado struck Antromero, causing widespread destruction to roofs, crops, and local infrastructure. The storm lasted just two minutes but left significant disruption. Residents now face the challenge of recovery.
Catalonia Cuts Rabbit Population by 68% With Night Hunts in Lleida
Catalonia has reduced rabbit numbers in Lleida by 68% in one year. Nighttime hunts with thermal imaging and off-road vehicles targeted high-density areas. The region remains on alert as authorities continue intensive measures.
French Farmer Gives Away 500 Tons of Potatoes, Some Resold for Profit
In July 2025, a French farmer in Gigny-Bussy opened his fields to the public, offering 500 tons of unsold potatoes for free. The gesture drew crowds—and led to some visitors reselling 20-kilo sacks for 15 euros, highlighting the challenges of agricultural surplus.
Why the Plum Tree Is the Smart Choice for Small Patios in Spain
Plum trees can thrive in limited spaces, offering shade and abundant summer fruit. The right rootstock keeps their size manageable, but success depends on sun, drainage and attentive watering. Here’s what to know before planting one in your garden.
Spain Faces Irreversible Spread of Invasive Red Crab in Doñana
The American red swamp crayfish, once introduced to Andalusia for economic gain, has become an unstoppable force in the Guadalquivir marshes and Doñana. Its presence has altered ecosystems, threatened native species, and created a new industry that Spain can no longer simply remove.
Hurricane-Force Winds Cause Major Damage in Alzira and Surrounding Towns
A sudden storm with winds up to 150 km/h hit Alzira and nearby towns. Roofs collapsed, trees fell, and power was lost in several areas. Local authorities and residents are now assessing the damage.
Shepherd’s Warning: Livestock Beat 100 Workers in Fire Prevention
Shepherd Jesús Sola from Tortuera claims that sheep and cattle are more effective than large crews in clearing flammable brush. As wildfires remain a threat, his call for support to livestock farmers highlights the challenges of generational renewal and rural survival.
Seville Farmer Boosts Land Income 19-Fold by Leasing to Solar Project
José Portillo, a farmer from Carmona, saw his earnings per hectare jump from €100 to €1,900 after leasing his land for a solar installation. His story highlights the financial impact of renewable energy projects on traditional agriculture in Andalusia.
How 12,000 Tons of Orange Peels Revived a Dead Field in Costa Rica
In 1998, 12,000 tons of orange peels were dumped on a barren pasture in Costa Rica. Sixteen years later, scientists found a dense forest where only dry grass once grew, with tree biomass up 176% compared to untreated land.
Spanish Farmer with 290 Hectares Warns: 'We Risk More to Earn Less'
After three decades managing his family's 290-hectare farm in Bobadilla del Campo, Luis Velasco Alonso says rising costs and stagnant crop prices are pushing profitability to the brink. He urges less red tape, stronger support for Spanish produce, and collective action among farmers.
Japan’s Unmanned Farm Stalls Survive on Trust—And New Technology
Across Japan, small unmanned farm stalls known as mujin hanbai offer fresh fruit and vegetables with no staff, relying on visible prices and honesty boxes. As thefts rise, some stalls now use lockers and vending machines, blending tradition with modern solutions.
Daughter and Partner Jailed After Tauste Double Homicide Shocks Aragón
A couple has been jailed in Zaragoza after the violent deaths of two prominent rural activists. Investigators focus on surveillance footage and the daughter's mental health. The case has unsettled the local community and unions.
Abandoned Farmland Needs 50 Years to Recover, Study Warns
A global study finds that abandoned farmland is typically left untouched for only 14 years—far short of the 50 years needed to restore carbon and biodiversity. The findings come as Spain prepares its national restoration plan ahead of the EU’s 2026 deadline.
African Swine Fever: Four New Wild Boar Cases Detected in Catalonia
Authorities in Catalonia have confirmed four new cases of African swine fever in wild boar. The total number of infected animals since November 2025 has reached 379. Intensive monitoring and population control measures continue.
Spain’s Wildfire Prevention Fails as Resources Focus on Firefighting
Despite record spending, Spain’s wildfire strategy prioritizes containment over true prevention. Most fires are still caused by human activity. Experts warn that current policies leave forests vulnerable and fail to address root causes.
Small-Scale Farming Is Quietly Reshaping the Amazon’s Biodiversity
Recent research shows that small-scale agriculture in the Amazon can mask a dramatic loss of biodiversity when viewed across entire landscapes. While individual plots may appear rich in species, the overall region becomes more uniform, threatening unique habitats and wildlife.
Investigation Focuses on Daughter and Boyfriend in Tauste Double Homicide
Police in Tauste are investigating the role of a couple’s daughter and her boyfriend in the fatal stabbing of two prominent local residents. The case raises questions about motive and how the suspects accessed the house.
Why Weevils Invade Spanish Pantries Every Summer
Small beetles like weevils can hide for weeks inside rice and cereals, contaminating food without being noticed. Rising summer temperatures in Spain create ideal conditions for these pests to thrive. Here’s how to spot, eliminate, and prevent infestations before they spread.
From Police Aspirant to 15-Hour Farm Days: Elena’s Rural Gamble
Elena Burillo, 26, left behind her plans to join the Policía Nacional and now manages livestock and crops in rural Zaragoza. Her days stretch up to 15 hours, shaped by weather, fluctuating prices, and the challenge of building a future in Spain’s countryside.
Madrid Farmer Turns Down €700,000 Offer for Organic Mountain Farm
Christian González Aceña, an agricultural engineer, refused a €700,000 offer for his organic farm in Bustarviejo—over 18 times what he paid. His decision highlights the value he places on biodiversity, sustainable farming, and passing on a living legacy to his family.
Japanese Scientists Achieve 96% Female Eel Population Using Soy
Aichi researchers have developed a soy-based feed that shifts the sex ratio of farmed Japanese eels, producing larger, more valuable females. The discovery could reshape aquaculture practices and boost yields, but its effects are species-specific.
Severe Storms Disrupt Transport and Damage Crops Across Catalunya
Heavy storms with hail have triggered major transport disruptions in Catalunya. Multiple rail lines and roads are closed. Authorities urge caution as emergency plans are activated and crop losses mount.
African Swine Fever Cases in Catalonia Reach 375 After New Detections
Two new cases of African swine fever have been confirmed in wild boars in Catalonia. The total number of infections since November 2025 now stands at 375. Authorities continue strict controls and population reduction measures.
Teenager Wins Gold for Inventing Electricity-Free Irrigation System
At just 14, Jia Mingxuan developed a low-cost irrigation system that collects water from the air without electricity. His invention, built in Inner Mongolia, earned a gold medal at the 2025 iENA fair in Nuremberg. The project is now drawing renewed attention for its potential impact on reforestation in dry climates.
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