The Sectorial Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development has announced the allocation of €69.2 million in agricultural funds among Spain's autonomous communities, with Asturias receiving €1,164,639. This includes €943,156 designated for fertiliser aid and €221,483 for animal health initiatives.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has distributed €50,174,300 from the European Union's agricultural reserve to support farmers and livestock producers most affected by rising production costs due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Rather than implementing a new centralised aid scheme, the Spanish government has chosen to make these European funds available to the autonomous communities, allowing them to complement existing measures approved by the government and address specific needs in their agricultural sectors.
This emergency funding is aimed at farmers whose economic viability has been compromised by the crisis, with resources allocated to offset the increased costs of fertilisers and energy, taking into account the economic losses incurred.
The reserve fund is part of the Comprehensive Response Plan to the Crisis in the Middle East, initiated by the government with state funds through Royal Decree-Law 7/2026, dated 20 March. This plan includes specific measures for the agricultural and fishing sectors, amounting to €1.174 billion, including two approved extensions.
Diverse territorial realities
The regulations do not impose a uniform model of aid. Each autonomous community can determine the sectors, areas, and beneficiaries to whom their allocation is directed. This flexibility allows them to enhance support for farms already receiving state aid or to implement different measures where additional needs are identified.
Moreover, autonomous communities can contribute additional funds of up to 200% of their allocated share from the agricultural reserve. The agricultural reserve aid can cover up to 100% of justified excess costs for fertilisers and energy. However, care must be taken to avoid market distortions and overcompensation with other national or European aids received for the same costs.
The territorial distribution of the €50.1 million has been based on the useful agricultural area reported to Eurostat for 2024, ensuring a consistent and official statistical source across all autonomous communities, encompassing all agricultural land without excluding any productive orientation. All autonomous communities have expressed interest in utilising the funds and have agreed to the allocations communicated.
