Spain’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, showcasing a rich diversity of crops that not only sustain domestic needs but also bolster international trade. In 2024, the agri-food industry generated revenues exceeding €160 billion, employing around 500,000 individuals and accounting for 17% of the nation’s industrial sector.
Economic Significance:
- Gross Value Added (GVA): The primary agricultural sector contributed 2.9% to Spain’s total GVA, underscoring its vital role in the national economy. Agriculture and rural development
- Agricultural Income: In 2024, agricultural income reached €37.759 billion, marking a 14.2% increase from the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to reduced production costs and a significant rise in the value of agricultural output, which hit a record €68.430 billion. Crédit Agricole International
Production Costs: The sector experienced a decline in production costs in 2023, notably with energy expenses decreasing by 31.9% and fertilizer costs by 27.4%, contributing to an overall increase in agricultural income. Agroberichten Buitenland
Diverse Crop Production: Spain’s varied climate and terrain support a wide range of agricultural products. Notable statistics from 2023 include:
- Tomatoes: Production reached 4 million tonnes, accounting for a significant portion of the EU’s total tomato output. European Commission
- Olive Oil: Despite previous droughts, the olive oil sector showed signs of recovery, with Spain maintaining its position as the world’s largest exporter, contributing 36% of global exports valued at approximately $4.34 billion. Trendeconomy
Export Highlights:
- Meat Products: Leading the export categories, meat products generated €10.299 billion in 2023. La Moncloa
- Fruit and Vegetables: Collectively, these sectors contributed €18.841 billion to export revenues, with fruits at €9.977 billion and vegetables at €8.864 billion. La Moncloa
- Wine: Spain’s wine exports were valued at $3.77 billion in 2023, positioning the country as the third-largest wine exporter globally.
These figures underscore the vital role of Spain’s agricultural sector in both the national economy and the global market. Ongoing investments and innovations are essential to sustain and enhance this pivotal industry.
