The agri-food sector Estremadura reaffirmed its competitive leadership during a business meeting organized by Cajamar en Medellín (BadajozIn 2024, the region recorded a 22,4% growth in its exports, driven by productive specialization and a trade balance with a surplus of 1.872,5 million euros.
Analysis of the business fabric and labor market
During the opening of the forum in the Hotel Restaurante Quinto Cecilio, the territorial director of Cajamar, Sergio HuesoHe highlighted the innovative capacity of local companies compared to current ones geopolitical challengesAccording to the data presented, the economic dynamism resulted in the creation of 2.018 new companies during the past year.
The impact on employment has been equally significant. The number of unemployed fell by 10% in December, reaching 68.000 people. Specifically, the food industry It employed 77.229 workers, representing 18,8% of total employment in the regional economy, with a growth rate of 1,6%, higher than the 1% recorded in the rest of España.
"The business sector in Extremadura has demonstrated a capacity for innovation and adaptation in a changing global environment," he noted. Sergio Hueso, highlighting that the region reached an export volume of 4.074,7 million euros.
Economic Indicators and Foreign Trade 2024
El Gross value added The gross value added (GVA) of Extremadura's agricultural sector showed an increase of 6,2%, a figure that contrasts favorably with the national average of 3,7%. This competitiveness is reflected in the following comparison of key indicators:
| Economic Indicator (2024) | Figure / Percentage | Reference / Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Growth in the Agricultural Sector of Extremadura | 6,2% | National average: 3,7% |
| Export Growth | 22,4% | National leader in growth |
| Total Exported Volume | 4.074,7 M€ | Surplus: €1.872,5 million |
| Agri-food Production | 3.655 M€ | 15,4% of the total regional GVA |
| New Societies created | 2.018 | 2024 Exercise |
Strategic challenges and the reform of the CAP
President of Cajamar, Eduardo Baamonde, warned about the need to strengthen the strategic autonomy European in a context of protectionism and instability. In his speech, he stressed that "the future reform of the PAC "It must be approached from a strategic perspective," given the fundamental socio-economic and territorial role of the primary sector.
For its part, Ignacio Atance, director of the Studies Service of the Fundación Grupo CajamarHe detailed the changes planned for the post-2027 scenario. The main novelty lies in the transition towards an integrated "Country Plan" instead of the current Strategic Plan of the PACThis modification will allow each State to decide its budget allocation based on a mandatory minimum, which could generate competitive asymmetries among the members of the Unión Europea.
The main international destinations for products from Extremadura continue to be established markets within the European Union:
- Portugal
- France
- Italy
- Germany,
Key points and frequently asked questions about the economy of Extremadura
How important is the agri-food sector to employment in Extremadura?
The sector is a fundamental pillar for the regional labor market, concentrating 18,8% of total employment with a total of 77.229 people employed in 2024.
How has the region's foreign trade evolved recently?
Extremadura has become the autonomous community with the highest export growth in España, registering an increase of 22,4% and reaching a value of over 4.000 billion euros.
What changes are expected in European agricultural financing?
The post-2027 proposal will eliminate the Strategic Plan of the PAC in favor of an integrated "Country Plan", which will give each nation greater decision-making power over the allocation of funds.
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