Por Redaccion 
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 an essential strategic industry for Andalusia that guarantees food sovereignty in Europe.
The Minister addressed the media before presiding over the Agricultural Interlocution Forum along with the Minister of Employment, Business, and Self-Employment, Rocío Blanco. The forum discussed, among other issues, the situation in the agri-food sector following the imposition of tariffs by the US.
«Although we still have limited information and need to know the details, we understand that there is no better way to provide certainty than through dialogue and agreements. Therefore, the Andalusian Government is at the disposal of agricultural organizations to defend our sector and will take the necessary and timely measures to minimize the impact of these tariffs on a sector that ensures food sovereignty in Europe and drives the economy of Andalusia and Spain,» explained the Minister.
He emphasized that «dialogue with agricultural organizations is the main roadmap for finding solutions in the current context, and the Andalusian Government extends its hand to a sector that was a leader in exports in 2024 to progress towards real solutions.»
Likewise, the Minister stressed the need for the Spanish Government to urgently convene the sector conference and outline the measures to be implemented for the primary sector, the available funds, and the steps to be taken from now on.
Strategic and Priority Sector
As emphasized 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. Therefore, the Andalusian Government tirelessly works 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, highlighted that «we are at a crucial moment,» emphasizing 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, explaining 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 take on more debt». She also warned about the competition from countries with lower tariffs than 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, emphasizing the need to protect the Andalusian agri-food sector, «one of the most affected and strategic for our economy.»