The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, has urged the European Union to protect the agri-food sector against the tariffs imposed by the United States as a strategic industry essential for Andalusia that ensures food sovereignty in Europe.
The Minister spoke to the media before presiding over the Agricultural Interlocution Forum along with the Minister of Employment, Business, and Self-Employment, Rocío Blanco. The forum addressed the situation in the agri-food sector following the imposition of tariffs by the US.
«While we still have little information and need to know the details, we know that there is no better way to provide certainty than through dialogue and agreements. Therefore, we stand ready to work with agricultural organizations to defend our sector and take the necessary measures to minimize the impact of these tariffs on a sector that ensures food sovereignty in Europe and is a driving force of the Andalusian and Spanish economy,» explained the Minister.
In this regard, he emphasized that «dialogue with agricultural organizations is the main roadmap to find solutions in the current context and we extend our hand to a sector that was a leader in exports in 2024 to advance in real solutions.»
Likewise, the Minister stressed the need for the Spanish government to urgently convene the sectorial conference and detail the measures that will be implemented for the primary sector, the available resources, and the steps to be taken from now on.
Strategic and Priority Sector
As emphasized by Fernández-Pacheco, «the agricultural and food sector must be considered strategic and a priority at the European level as a fundamental guarantor of sovereignty, sustainability, and food security in Europe. Therefore, we tirelessly work on proposals and initiatives that can provide real solutions to the current situation.»
On her part, the Minister of Employment, Business, and Self-Employment, Rocío Blanco, highlighted that «we are at a crucial moment,» pointing out the opportunity presented by Juanma Moreno currently presiding over the European Committee of the Regions, «which offers a unique opportunity to defend the interests of the Andalusian agri-food sector before European institutions.»
Blanco, who explained that her presence is related to the competencies of the Ministry in promoting cooperatives, boosting Social Economy, and developing Commerce, emphasized the need for more direct aids and tax benefits from the central government, as companies «cannot incur more debt». She also warned about the competition from countries with lower tariffs than those imposed on Spain, such as Turkey or Morocco, offering lower prices with lower quality standards.
Review of the Most Affected Sectors
Blanco reviewed the most affected sectors, such as olive oil, green and black olives, and almonds, and stressed the need to protect the Andalusian agri-food sector, «one of the most affected and strategic for our economy.»