The aftermath of recent heavy rains and storms in Andalusia is already being felt across Spain: thousands of families involved in agriculture are on the brink of survival. Farmland is flooded, crops are destroyed, and infrastructure lies in ruins. For many regions, this is not just a temporary setback, but a blow that could reshape the economic landscape for years to come.
In Jaén province, farmers like Antonio Román have lost hope of saving what remains of their olive harvest. Continuous rainfall and severe weather have left a third of the crops underwater and caked in mud. Losses from olive oil alone in this region are estimated at tens of thousands of tons, with economic damage reaching hundreds of millions of euros. The situation is worsened by the fact that the previous two years were marked by drought and pest infestations, undermining the sector’s resilience.
In Granada and Sevilla, farmers report losing half of their olive harvest, which is now only suitable for processing at reduced prices. In some areas, like the lower Guadalquivir, tens of thousands of hectares are underwater. In Lebrija and Huétor Tájar, vegetable crops and flowers suffered losses, while in Jerez de la Frontera, citrus, avocados, and olive groves have been hit hard. In Almería, greenhouses are destroyed, and in Huelva, the harvest of berries and citrus has virtually come to a halt amid washed-out roads and flooded fields.
Economic impact
Experts note that the damage caused by the disaster goes far beyond crop losses. Roads, irrigation systems, bridges, and other infrastructure essential for the agricultural sector have been destroyed. According to regional authorities, total damages may exceed 3.5 billion euros, accounting for a fifth of Andalusia’s annual agricultural output. The situation is especially critical in the provinces of Jaén and Granada, where olive oil production forms the backbone of the local economy.
Losses in livestock farming are no less significant. Dampness and mud are causing a rise in livestock diseases, especially among sheep. In some areas, such as Sierra de Segura, mortality among newborn lambs is reaching 30%. Farmers are being forced to reduce their herds, and many temporary workers are leaving the farms as it becomes impossible to continue working under such conditions.
The impact on employment is already being felt: seasonal workers involved in berry and olive harvesting are unable to reach the fields. This is leading to reduced family incomes and increasing social tension in rural areas. Regional authorities have already requested disaster status recognition in order to receive emergency assistance.
Response and consequences
Local cooperatives and farmers’ associations describe the situation as an unprecedented crisis. Industry representatives point out that unless urgent measures are taken, the consequences for the region’s economy will be felt for many years to come. Authorities are discussing the possibility of compensation and infrastructure restoration, but the scale of the damage requires coordination at the national level.
In some areas, such as Córdoba, the picture is mixed: while citrus growers have lost up to 40% of their crops, almond producers have unexpectedly benefited from the heavy rains. Nevertheless, the overall situation remains negative, and the outlook for the next season is uncertain.
There is particular concern in the lower Guadalquivir, where tens of thousands of hectares are flooded. Farmers here fear that it could take months or even years to restore soil fertility and infrastructure. Recalling recent events, many compare the current crisis to what happened after the devastating storm, when Andalucía experienced catastrophic losses and was forced to revise its budget and request emergency assistance.
Context and experience
In recent years, Andalusia has repeatedly become the scene of natural disasters that have caused significant damage to agriculture. In 2023, the region already endured large-scale floods that resulted in crop loss and widespread losses among farmers. At that time, the authorities also declared a state of emergency and sought support at both the national and European levels. Such events highlight the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate change and extreme weather conditions. Each new storm increases farmers’ anxiety and prompts them to seek new approaches to protect their crops and infrastructure.
