Spain: Looking back at 2024
The value generated by agricultural production (land, capital and labor) in Spain in 2024 was 37,759 million euros. Nearly 15% higher than in 2023. The main factors behind this growth were the decrease in production costs and the increase in the value of production of the agricultural branch, reaching its highest historical value, 68.43 billion euros. The growth in the production includes both plant and animal production and is mainly due to the increase in the quantities produced (+11%), as prices, in line with the decrease in general inflation, have fallen by 6%. These results are compared with 2022-a very dry year that meant numerous losses.
The abovementioned data was presented by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture in the estimated economic accounts of 2024 for the agricultural sector. The economic growth rates stand in stark contrast to the unprecedented climate effects the year 2024 brought to Spain. The painful moments of the floods caused by the DANA are still palpable. However other chronic crises are related to drought. Nevertheless, it should be said that precisely a strong economic vital sector has the means and creativity to mitigate and adapt to these extraordinary climate effects.
The strategy to align economic profitability with higher ambitions on a more sustainable food chain was in 2024 often expressed as key strategy by the current government. This strategy fitted very well with the main focus of the LAN team in Spain. In 2024 we further enhanced this through the links between food, water and biodiversity and to enlarge sustainable land use.
Demand and interest in sustainable food systems, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity protection are on the rise. The effort to enlarge sustainable production cannot be passed on to agricultural entrepreneurs alone. The pressure farmers experience became visible in the grim farmers' protests earlier this year. Therefore an important aspect of kthe LAN teams work is to enhance an holistic stakeholder approach in all activities we elaborate.
As an example we summarized some of these activities in the timeline below:
MAIN TOPICS
Sustainable food systems
The Spanish government recently published a reform of the food chain law which aims to fairer and more transparent commercial relations and stronger position of producers in the food chain. The interest in Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) is on the rise with a national digitalization strategy in Spain. Like in previous years Spain hosted in 2024 several trade fairs like Fruit Attraction, Alimentaria, Conxemar and SeaFood Expo Global. These tradeshows brought distributors and traders from all over the world to Spain and give good insights about global trends, the challenges and opportunities in the food chain. These fairs also provided the LAN team the opportunity to strategically facilitate dialogue and collaboration to promote sustainable food systems. See some examples below:
Circular food production
Climate smart food production and circularity also gives many opportunities to develop new crossovers with other economic sectors like the tourism and energy sector. Spain is on the way of passing a Food Waste Law. Our commitment to this topic became visible during the Valorization event from AECOC, with participation of the Dutch companies Peel Pioneers and Orbisk.
Water and food nexus
In November Spain and NL came together in an event to discuss how innovations are tailoring better nexus between water, biodiversity and food security. An agreement between Wageningen University and LVVN was subscribed to provide input for bettering water use and agricultural practices in the region near Doñana National Park. With this subscription the LAN team Spain will support the efforts of WRAP and Good Stuff International in water stewardship in that same region.
The water stewardship approach reduces the water footprint of the European food chain (especially the soft fruits) and helps consumers in northern Europe to make a considered choice in their consumption patterns
Fostering bilateral relations Spain
With a new government installed in late 2023, many new faces entered the ministry of Agriculture and ministry of Ecological transition. At the start of 2024 the LAN team got acquainted with many new government officials. These visits allowed us to lay an important foundation for our bilateral cooperation in the coming years. Another important milestone was the post-presidency visit of a delegation from the Dutch ministry of Agriculture to Spain later that year. With these visits we fulfilled an import part of our role as LAN based in a European context. Working together is our first and most important condition in the activities that we execute. With this spirit of cooperation we look forward to embrace the new opportunities that 2025 will bring.
During this year we learned the value of using an integrated vision to the Iberian region. Both Spain and Portugal share strengths and challenges that can be better tackled with a holistic strategy. Being strategic resulted in the first roots of stronger and high-value network of stakeholders. With two online meetings we gave Dutch pioneers active in agriculture, nature and food in Spain and Portugal the opportunity to network and strengthen their ambition to make a stronger impact in their regions. The stronger integration and collaboration in the Iberic will continue growing in the year 2025. Please check our agenda that continuously receives updates with new events, fairs and activities throughout the year