A sharp increase in fuel and energy costs is already being felt in Murcia’s agricultural sector. The reason is new geopolitical risks associated with events in Iran. For Spanish producers, this means not only higher production costs but also a threat to supply stability, which could affect the entire country’s food supply chain.
Murcia hosted large-scale events marking the 50th anniversary of the organization Coag. Hundreds of farmers, government officials, and industry leaders gathered at Casón de la Vega in Santomera. The head of Coag in Murcia, José Miguel Marín, emphasized that the situation with Iran has already triggered a speculative surge in gas, diesel, and electricity prices. He pointed out that similar trends were observed during the conflict in Ukraine, and called on the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) to intervene immediately to prevent a repeat of past mistakes.
Response and measures
Marín stated that the organization has already appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to activate the food chain law, and to the European Union to create an early warning system. In his words, only coordinated action at both national and European levels can protect farmers from fresh shocks. Politicians from the PP and PSOE, as well as local authorities, were present in the audience and listened closely to the list of challenges facing local farmers.
The mayor of Santomera, Víctor Martínez, reminded that his municipality produces and processes half of the European Union’s lemons and is home to the continent’s largest cooperative. He pledged to introduce new technologies to improve farm efficiency. The event also marked the conclusion of the eighth Coag congress, where a new, young executive team representing all areas of the region was elected. In addition, a strategic four-year program was approved with a strong focus on defending the profession and supporting young professionals.
Challenges and priorities
Among Coag’s key priorities is maintaining previous levels of funding through the CAP, despite proposed cuts. Marín pointed out that after recent protests in Brussels, the European Commission allocated additional resources, but the organization continues to monitor their distribution. There is particular concern about trade agreements with Mercosur, Morocco, and Australia, which Coag believes could harm Spain’s meat and citrus sectors. Marín insists on the need for legal assessment prior to signing such deals to avoid negative consequences for local producers.
Among the priorities are supporting young farmers, developing the agricultural insurance system, and combating pests. Regional authorities have already announced a new €10 million support program for young professionals, adding to the previously allocated €20 million. The President of Murcia, Fernando López Miras, stressed that generational renewal is essential for food security and called for a flexible and adequate CAP policy, as well as urgent approval for the use of the ‘Momentun’ product to fight pests, which is already in use in neighboring countries.
Support and prospects
The government delegate in Murcia, Francisco Lucas Ayala, assured that Spain is ready to support farmers amid international crises, recalling €139 million allocated for irrigation, €25 million for drought relief, and €315 million for agricultural insurance. The president of the regional parliament, Visitación Martínez, highlighted that agriculture is a strategic sector shaping both the economy and employment, and that water supply issues require national consensus. She also emphasized the role of women, who manage 30% of the region’s farms.
The event placed special emphasis on security issues. The head of the Civil Guard, Francisco Pulido Catalán, received an award for his contribution to food and rural safety. He noted that this recognition motivates continued efforts to protect rural areas. The Secretary General of Coag, Miguel Padilla, summed up by expressing confidence in the new leadership team and underscored the importance of preserving the dignity of agricultural work.
Context and latest developments
In recent years, Spain’s agricultural sector has faced a series of crises driven by foreign policy and climate-related factors. Rising energy and raw material costs, along with global market instability, have already sparked mass protests and demanded urgent solutions at the European Union level. As demonstrated by the recent floods in Andalucía and Extremadura, which were covered in the article on the consequences of extreme weather events for regions of Spain, any external shocks quickly impact the economy and the daily lives of local residents. Amidst these new challenges, farmers and authorities are searching for ways to adapt, maintain production resilience, and ensure the country’s food security.
