News Briefs
The Spanish and Portuguese governments have asked the European Commission to take measures to help farmers on the Iberian Peninsula cope with the ongoing and severe drought.
Luis Planas, the Spanish minister of agriculture, fisheries and food, requested more money from the Europe Commission’s stopgap agricultural budget to help farmers combat the drought and more flexibility for using fallow land.
Make the most of the CAP’s strategic plans to face the challenges of low rainfall so that farmers are protected from possible weather event.- Janus Wojciechowski, European Agriculture Commissioner
The stopgap budget funds Europe’s agricultural sector until the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) comes into force at the beginning of 2023.
Spain and Portugal have been experiencing a drastic decrease in rainfall over the last three decades. A severe drought that started late last year has gradually worsened depleting water reservoirs to record lows.
See Also:Andalusian Officials Criticize Loss of Funding for Farmers in Proposed Ag. PolicyLast month, Spain’s national meteorological agency said January 2022 was the driest January for almost 20 years, with Andalusia, Catalonia and Extremadura being the worst-hit regions.
In Portugal, 34 percent of the country is experiencing severe drought, while 11 percent is experiencing extreme drought.
However, Europe’s agriculture commissioner told both countries instead to take advantage of the ability to form their own national strategic plans under the incoming CAP to help them deal with climatic challenges.
“Make the most of the CAP’s strategic plans to face the challenges of low rainfall so that farmers are protected from possible weather events,” Janus Wojciechowski said.
He added that all European countries would need to put long-term measures in place as climate change will make water scarcity and droughts more common, especially for countries in the Mediterranean basin.
A week before Planas tabled the request for the two countries, Europe’s commissioner for gender equality expressed concerns about the drought situation in the Iberian Peninsula.
Helena Dalli said that the commission was monitoring the situation closely via the satellite system and advised the two countries to take advantage of available instruments to mitigate the drought.
“Through the European Regional Development Fund and other CAP instruments, Portugal and Spain will be able to help farmers affected by climatic conditions,” Dalli said.
“Climate change will further aggravate water scarcity and the risk of droughts, affecting their frequency and magnitude, not only in the Iberian Peninsula but in the other southern countries and other parts of the E.U.,” she added.
More articles on: agriculture, climate change, Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
Feb. 7, 2024
Oleocampo's 3,500 Members Overcome Harvest Challenges with Quality Intact
Farmers in the massive Jaén-based cooperative sacrificed yield for a tenth straight year of award-winning quality.
Apr. 12, 2024
Global Production May Exceed Expectations, but Not Enough to Move Prices
Analysts predict climate change will result in new price dynamics, with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and other market segments behaving differently.
Jan. 29, 2024
In Search of Chill: Cool Nights Needed for Olive Trees in Greece
After warm spells decimated their harvests, producers in Greece are hoping for cool temperatures during critical growing stages this time around.
May. 7, 2024
European Olive Oil Supply Hits Decade-Low
A production drop and low stocks have kept prices high, tempering demand.
Jun. 12, 2024
Proposal Would Ban Solar Panel Installation on Italy's Farmlands
Exemptions for agri-voltaic systems would still allow research and development of projects in olive groves to continue.
Jun. 27, 2024
The 1,000-Member Co-Op Taking on The Challenging Terrain of Northern Portugal
The members of the Agricultural Cooperative of Olive Growers of Murça farm the rugged terrain, working together to produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil.
Dec. 14, 2023
Tightening Water Regulations in California May Spur Olive Cultivation
While irrigated olive groves still use plenty of water, increasingly strict prohibitions, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, may carve out a new niche for dryland olive groves.
Mar. 6, 2024
US Surpasses Spain as Second-Largest Olive Oil Consumer
Experts predict the U.S. will overtake Italy to become the world’s largest consumer of olive oil.