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 guarantees food sovereignty in Europe.
The Minister spoke to the media before presiding over the Agrarian Interlocution Forum along with the Minister of Employment, Business, and Self-Employment, Rocío Blanco. The forum addressed, among other issues, the situation in the agri-food sector following the imposition of tariffs by the US.
«Although 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, from the Andalusian Government, we are available to agricultural organizations to defend our sector and we will take the necessary measures to minimize the impact of these tariffs on a sector that guarantees food sovereignty in Europe and drives the economy of Andalusia and Spain,» explained the Minister.
In this regard, he emphasized that «dialogue with agricultural organizations is the main roadmap to provide solutions in the current context, and from the Andalusian Government, we extend a hand to a sector that was a leader in exports in 2024 to progress in real solutions.»
Likewise, the Minister stressed that it is «necessary and urgent for the Spanish Government to convene the sectoral conference as soon as possible and detail the measures to be implemented for the primary sector, the available quantities, and the steps to follow from now on.»
Strategic and Priority Sector
As highlighted 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, and 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, emphasized that «we are at a crucial moment,» highlighting 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 due to the competencies of the Ministry in promoting cooperatives, boosting Social Economy, and developing Commerce, emphasized the need for more direct aid and tax benefits from the central government, as companies «cannot go into more debt». She also warned about the competition from countries with lower tariffs than those imposed on Spain, such as Turkey or Morocco, which offer 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 insisted on the need to protect the Andalusian agri-food sector, «one of the most affected and strategic for our economy.»
