Luis Planas: "The EU boosted Spain to become an agri-food powerhouse"

 

Flat He emphasized that European integration has been a fundamental pillar in the modernization and development of the country. "The balance sheet of these 40 years of membership in the UE "It's a success story," the minister noted, emphasizing that Spain has gone from being a mere "spectator to a committed participant in European integration." Currently, the Spanish agri-food sector ranks as the fourth largest in Europe and the seventh largest worldwide.

A Quantitative Leap in Foreign Trade

 

The data from foreign trade illustrate this evolution in a forceful manner. Upon joining the EU, the Spanish agri-food exports At the time, the deficit reached just €4.000 billion. Today, that figure exceeds €76.000 billion, with a favorable trade balance of more than €15.000 billion, reversing the deficit that existed at the beginning of the 12st century. Furthermore, Spain has risen from eighth place among the original 27 member states to fourth place among the current XNUMX members of the European Union.

 

Minister Planas emphasized the crucial role of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in this success. The CAP, with its funds and strategic orientation, has been key to transforming Spanish agriculture into a "competitive, modern and thriving" sector.

 

Planas defended the need to maintain a robust CAP that continues to support farmers and ranchers, thus guaranteeing the supply of quality food in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices for European society. Over these four decades, the CAP has been an essential instrument for the modernization and revitalization of the sector, also promoting rural development and territorial cohesion.

 

The minister emphasized that, while the number of farms has decreased from 1,8 million to 784.000, the average area per farm has increased to 30,5 hectares, which translates into greater productive potential and profitability.

Spain: Strategic Leader in the Configuration of the CAP

 

Over the last ten years, Spain has consolidated its role as a «strategic leader"in shaping the CAP, becoming a leading player globally in the agri-food sector. Proof of this is the initiative led by Spain, along with 19 other Member States, to send a letter to the European Commission demanding a CAP with independent legal personality and a sufficient budget in the next multiannual financial framework."

 

Finally, Planas called for including food as a priority in security policies, along with defense, given its fundamental importance for stability and social well-being.