Record for the Spanish agri-food sector: challenges and figures

The Spanish agri-food sector is consolidating its position as a strategic pillar of the national economy, reaching record export figures of €79.000 billion by 2025. However, it faces crucial challenges in terms of productivity, innovation, and generational renewal. These are the main conclusions of the ninth edition of the "Observatory on the Spanish Agri-food Sector in the European Context," prepared by the Cajamar Group Foundation and the Ivie (Valencian Institute of Economic Research). The conclusions were presented by the president of Cajamar, Eduardo Baamonde, at an event closed by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas.

An economic pillar with record figures

The report underscores the sector's enormous importance to the Spanish economy. According to data presented by Joaquín Maudos, Deputy Director of Research at Ivie, the agri-food sector as a whole contributed the 9% of national GDP in 2025, what translates into 137.000 millones de euros in rents, salaries, and benefits. Furthermore, it generated the 11,5% of total employment, providing jobs for 2,6 million people. "We are the fourth largest European power in production in the sector and the third in employment."Maudos pointed out.

One of the most significant figures is the record-breaking exports, which reached 79.000 billion euros. Maudos highlighted a key aspect of this achievement: "This year we have achieved it by growing in quantity, not in prices, not in inflation."This external dynamism is also reflected in the trade balance. Ignacio Atance, Director of the Research and Publications Department of the Cajamar Group Foundation, pointed out that Spain closed 2025 with over 18.000 billion in positive external balanceThis contrasts sharply with the situation of other European giants: "For the first time in a row, France has had a negative trade balance.".

Productivity and innovation, the great challenges

Despite the strength of the figures, the observatory focuses on several structural weaknesses that threaten future competitiveness. The main problem identified is the low productivityespecially in the processing and marketing industry. According to Maudos, the sector is improving its competitiveness "at the expense of reducing labor costs, and it is not the most appropriate way"This situation, he explains, limits the potential for wage increases, although in the primary sector, affected by the lack of generational replacement, "There is room to raise wages" to attract labor.

Another key challenge is innovation. The report reveals a significant gap with our European partners. "The gap we have in innovation efforts compared to Europe is 30%"Maudos warned. This means that investment in R&D as a percentage of the sector's added value is a third lower than the EU average. "We must invest in innovation and also in digitalization."he insisted.

Ignacio Atance reinforced this warning, pointing out that, although the overall trend is very positive, attention must be paid to certain variables to maintain the strategic nature of the sector. "Productivity is the key variable for what works today to continue working, and we have detected certain signs of exhaustion in the observatory that we must investigate further."He concluded. These challenges are compounded by other cross-cutting issues such as sustainability and geopolitical risks, which affect the costs of key inputs like fertilizers and transportation.

Key Questions and Answers

What is the weight of the agri-food sector in the Spanish economy?

The Spanish agri-food sector represents 9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating €137.000 billion, and 11,5% of total employment, with 2,6 million workers. Furthermore, it reached a record export level of €79.000 billion in 2025.

What are the main challenges facing the agri-food sector in Spain?

The main challenges are low productivity, especially in the manufacturing industry; investment in R&D&I that is 30% lower than the European Union average; the lack of generational renewal in the primary sector; and adaptation to sustainability and geopolitical risks.