Call for Independent Agricultural and Fisheries Policy Gains Momentum in Spain
Spain advocates for a distinct agricultural and fisheries policy with regional budgets.
- • Amaia Barredo advocates for independent agricultural and fisheries policy in Madrid.
- • Focus on establishing regional budgets and plans rooted in subsidiarity.
- • Spanish government and autonomous communities support distinct policy identity.
- • Concerns about the adequacy of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.
Key details
On September 15, 2025, a significant push for a self-sufficient agricultural and fisheries policy in Spain took center stage in a meeting in Madrid. Amaia Barredo, the Regional Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food of the Basque Government, emphasized the necessity for an independent policy framework with dedicated budgets and regional plans. "We need a strong agricultural and fisheries policy that reflects our regional identities and has its own budget to effectively manage our resources," Barredo asserted during her speech.
The initiative is gaining broad support, with the Spanish government and various autonomous communities aligning on the need for a distinct policy that supports regional interests. A consensus was reached that any agricultural and fisheries policy must not only be robust in budgetary allocations but also possess a unique identity to cater to diverse local needs. The discussions underscored the principle of subsidiarity, which advocates that regional authorities can tailor solutions better suited to their specific contexts compared to centralized directives.
Notably, this advocacy comes amid ongoing debates about the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and how it impacts Spanish farmers and fishermen. There is a growing sentiment among some regional leaders that the current CAP does not adequately address their unique challenges and needs. Therefore, plans are underway to advance this proposal to the European Union, seeking support for an approach that prioritizes regional autonomy in managing agricultural and fisheries resources.