²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Droughts and costs hitting Spanish farms

Production costs and droughts were the biggest issues facing the Spanish farming industry, but the sector remains competitive despite the challenges it faced

Alex Black
clock • 1 min read
Droughts and costs hitting Spanish farms

A report on the state of the Spanish agricultural sector from CaixaBank showed the prolonged drought which affected much of the Iberian Peninsula in 2022 has continued so far in 2023, impacting top soils and providing poor conditions for crops.

Spanish yields

As a result, crop yields - which were already severely down last season - were estimated to have fallen further this year.

See more: Scottish farmers expected to face 'severe' flooding and disruption from Storm Babet

According to the preliminary figures for agricultural area and production, the production of winter cereals was estimated at 9 million tonnes in 2023, compared with 14.4mt in 2022 and 19.3mt in 2021. Summer crops were less affected by the ravages of climate change.

However, Spanish exports were still performing well compared to its main European rivals. The value of exports continued to increase, although volumes declined.

Europe

Compared to its European neighbours, the Spanish agricultural sector was characterised by a substantial number of small farms; more than half have five hectares or less, with 94 per cent being owned by individuals who are usually the head of the farm.

Watch now: Scottish farmers count cost of severe flooding

However, the sector was becoming more concentrated with fewer but increasingly larger and more productive farms. According to the 2020 agricultural census, farms of 100ha or more - although they account for only 6 per cent of total farms - represent 58 per cent of the utilised agricultural area and almost 30 per cent of total production.

AA ABBERTON ANGUS bulls & heifers

£±Ê°¿´¡

PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL BULLS

£±Ê°¿´¡

MOBBERLEY ANGUS, Breeding Bulls

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Farm Business

How to tackle succession successfully

How to tackle succession successfully

The Budget has put succession planning in the spotlight, but how do you start the conversation?

clock 08 November 2024 • 3 min read
Agricultural Property Relief changes will impact land markets

Agricultural Property Relief changes will impact land markets

Farmland experts take a look at the effect Inheritance Tax changes could have

Alex Black
clock 08 November 2024 • 3 min read
Farm Business Innovation Show: Budget discussion highlights need to 'look at business structure and what is feasible'

Farm Business Innovation Show: Budget discussion highlights need to 'look at business structure and what is feasible'

Plan for the future but do not rush into any big decisions – that was the resounding message from a panel of experts discussing the Autumn Budget at the Farm Business Innovation Show, held at the NEC (November 6/7)

clock 06 November 2024 • 2 min read