Spanish farmers demand urgent aid as war in Iran drives up costs

Spain's farming sector pleaded for urgent government assistance on Tuesday, as the ongoing war in Iran has caused a surge in production costs, threatening the country's food sovereignty. Representatives from Asaja, COAG, UPA, Unión de Uniones and Cooperativas Agroalimentarias met with Agriculture Minister Luis Planas to demand immediate direct aid to help the sector survive the crisis.

The gathering follows threats to stage protests if the government fails to act on the "critical" situation in the countryside. The conflict has led to a 50% increase in the price of agricultural diesel since the war began, potentially causing up to 40% of crops to go unsown if aid does not materialize. Asaja President Pedro Barato emphasized the need for sufficient measures to offset the price hike, warning that unsown crops could lead to further price increases for consumers.

COAG Secretary General Andrés Góngora called for up to 70% of the diesel price hike to be offset, while UPA Secretary General Cristóbal Cano suggested a special tax on major oil companies' profits to fund compensation for farmers. Unión de Uniones Coordinator Luis Cortés highlighted structural issues, such as the enforcement of the Food Chain Law, and advocated for long-term solutions like a professional diesel rate.

Cooperativas Agroalimentarias President Ángel Villafranca stressed that transport and energy costs are beyond farmers' control, and called for compensation to cover the increase. The meeting with farming organizations comes as Spain weighs whether to extend economic support beyond September 30, with the current crisis coinciding with grape harvest and olive and winter cereal campaigns, while high fuel costs have affected shipping in the region.