Josep Grau Seris, who served as mayor of Mollerussa and as Catalonia’s agriculture minister, has died at 80. Local and regional officials have recognized his decades of public service and the changes he brought to the region.
Forest fires have reignited rural anger over city-driven policies. Farmers blame excessive paperwork and distant decision-makers. Calls for hands-on management grow as traditional practices vanish.
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, while authorities turn to local stations for urgent decisions.
A new SEPE initiative in Cádiz channels public funds into local projects that must give preference to unemployed agricultural workers. Town halls have 15 days to apply, under strict rules governing hiring and the use of funds.
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.
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 are struggling to compete as costs rise and market power concentrates among a few large groups.
As summer fades, September offers good conditions for planting flowers that can withstand winter’s chill. Pansies, cyclamens, and primroses can take root now and bloom as the cold arrives, bringing color to gardens and balconies through the darker months.
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.
After two decades in construction, Francisco José González García, known as Fran, traded his stable job for the uncertain world of beekeeping. He now manages 400 hives across three provinces, producing and selling natural honey under the Mielegante brand. His story reveals the challenges and rewards of rural self-employment in Spain.
Catalonia has opened its largest solar park in Alcarràs, adding 300 megawatts to the grid. Backed by the regional government, the project has sparked debate among local councils and social groups. Another 100 megawatts are expected to be added soon.
The Junta de Andalucía has rejected a 500-hectare irrigation project near Almería, citing water scarcity and irreversible harm to protected habitats. Environmental groups called the decision a basic victory for local biodiversity.
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.
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.
A sudden tornado struck Antromero, damaging roofs and crops while hitting local infrastructure. The storm lasted just two minutes but caused impressive disruption. Residents now face the challenge of recovery.
Catalonia has reduced rabbit numbers in Lleida by 68% in one year. Nighttime hunts using thermal imaging and off-road vehicles targeted high-density areas. The region remains on alert as authorities continue intensive measures.
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 some visitors to resell 20-kilo sacks for 15 euros, highlighting the challenges of agricultural surplus.
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 and well-drained soil, with attentive watering. Here’s what to know before planting one in your garden.
The American red swamp crayfish, introduced to Andalusia for economic gain, has become entrenched in the Guadalquivir marshes and Doñana. It has altered ecosystems, threatened native species and supported a new industry, while eradication is now considered technically impossible.
A sudden storm with winds of up to 150 km/h hit Alzira and nearby towns. Roofs collapsed and trees fell; several areas lost power. Local authorities and residents are assessing the damage.
Shepherd Jesús Sola of Tortuera argues that sheep and cattle can clear flammable brush more effectively than large crews. With wildfires still a threat, his call for support for livestock farmers highlights the challenges of generational renewal and rural survival.
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.
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 176% higher than on untreated land.
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 calls for less red tape and stronger support for Spanish produce, while urging farmers to act collectively.
Across Japan, small unmanned farm stalls known as mujin hanbai sell fresh fruit and vegetables without staff, relying on visible prices and honesty boxes. As thefts rise, some stalls are adding lockers and vending machines, pairing the trust-based model with practical safeguards.
Claims of a double homicide in Tauste and arrests involving named people remain unverified. Spanish law limits police custody to 72 hours before release or appearance before a judicial authority. A linked report addresses playground safety in Madrid.
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 storage and biodiversity. The findings come as Spain prepares its national restoration plan ahead of the EU’s 2026 deadline.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Small beetles such as 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.
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 as she contends with weather and fluctuating prices while trying to build a future in Spain’s countryside.
Christian González Aceña, an agricultural engineer, refused a €700,000 offer for his organic farm in Bustarviejo, more than 18 times what he paid. His decision reflects the value he places on biodiversity and sustainable farming, along with leaving a living legacy for his family.
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, though its effects are species-specific.
Heavy storms and hail have caused major transport disruptions in Catalunya, closing multiple rail lines and roads. Authorities have activated emergency plans and urged caution as crop losses mount.
