Spain has long been called the garden of Europe because of its abundant fruit and vegetable exports to the EU. Yet the sector now faces a looming future shadowed by desertification progress in the country. Water scarcity is rising as a premium resource, and agriculture already consumes a large share of the nation’s freshwater. More than 80 percent of Spain’s fresh water goes to farming, highlighting the pressure on supply as climates warm and rainfall patterns shift.
Soil degradation in Spain has tripled over the past decade, according to findings from the Arid Zones Experiment Station at the Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). A researcher from EEZA described the trend as creating an irreversible problem on a human scale. This assessment underscores how soils are losing their capacity to retain water and organic matter, threatening a country that exports about €60,000 million in agricultural products annually. The issue is not a niche concern; it touches the core of Spain’s rural economy and food supply. The main challenge cited by farmers groups is soil erosion, which has become a central worry for many producers across the country.
Asaja and the Small Farmers and Farmers Association (UPA) point to erosion as a dominant threat to field productivity. A photo caption shows a farmer picking grapes under the European banner of agricultural work, emphasizing the real-world impact of these conditions on workers and livelihoods. It is notable that a spokesperson for the sector warns against assuming that soil decline will lead to a desert with classic dunes. The current desertification trend is driven by soil degradation and reduced productive capacity, not a Sahara-like transformation, though the risk is serious and increasing. The situation is emphasized by researchers who link higher temperatures and more evaporation with greater fire risk, while acknowledging that intensive farming practices amplify soil distress. This dynamic is visible not only in one region but across the country, shedding light on a broader national challenge. [Citation: CSIC EEZA]
Almería is often cited as a stark example, where a vast network of greenhouses—about 40,000 hectares—produces vegetables and pulses year-round. This “garden of Europe” production comes at a price: large water withdrawals and groundwater depletion threaten aquifers. Experts caution that while Almería illustrates the potential of productive soils, the practice is not unique to that region and similar pressures exist elsewhere. Desalination and more efficient irrigation may help, but the overall pattern signals persistent vulnerability in Spain’s agricultural heartland. A photograph caption notes the desertification theme in Spain, reminding readers of the continuing environmental stakes involved. [Citation: CSIC EEZA]
United Nations programs on desertification show that about 75 percent of Spain’s territory faces climatic conditions that promote desertification. Spain stands among the European nations most affected by this problem, underscoring the urgency for policy and practice changes to safeguard soil health and water resources for future farming. In response to these pressures, several regional initiatives are pursuing alternative approaches aimed at protecting soil and water while maintaining productive agriculture. This includes regenerative practices that seek to restore soil organic matter, minimize erosion, and reduce chemical inputs. [Citation: UN programs; CSIC EEZA]
Alternative: less aggressive approaches
Against this backdrop, new methods in sustainable farming are gaining traction. In Andalusia, the AlVelAl farmers’ association is promoting regenerative practices designed to slow erosion and preserve soil quality. Members are turning away from chemical fertilizers in favor of organic matter and plant residues to conserve moisture and cut nutrient loss. They also prioritize reducing pesticide use to protect beneficial insects and promote soil health. These steps reflect a practical shift toward farming that respects soil and water limits while still supporting livelihoods. A farmer involved in the movement notes that regenerative agriculture is a long-term investment, with noticeable soil and insect benefits already emerging after several years. The path is slow, but the early signs are encouraging. [Citation: AlVelAl]
In the same spirit, discussions around irrigation emphasize smarter water use and exploring crops better suited to drier conditions. Some scientists advocate moving away from irrigated systems toward dry-farming techniques when feasible, aiming to curb excessive water withdrawal. Fernando Maestre Gil, a biologist and ecologist, highlights that more than 40 percent of aquifers show signs of contamination or overuse, underscoring the need to curb irrigation expansion and focus on water stewardship. He calls for a moratorium on new irrigation schemes and a shift toward cropping systems that require less water and offer stronger social returns. In his view, reducing irrigation is essential because agriculture already accounts for a large portion of Spain’s freshwater consumption. [Citation: Maestre Gil]
Experts emphasize evaluating water use alongside crop selection and social impact, aiming to maximize job creation and wealth distribution while safeguarding long-term water stocks. The overarching message is clear: to protect Spain’s agricultural future, a deliberate reduction in irrigated areas and a move toward drought-tolerant crops and regenerative methods are necessary. The conversation continues as researchers, farmers, and policymakers explore balanced strategies that sustain outputs without compromising the land. [Citation: Environmental studies]
Note: Some proposals stress the need for careful management to avoid unintended consequences, and ongoing field trials continue to test the practical viability of these approaches in different climates and soil types. The ultimate goal remains stronger soil health, smarter water use, and a resilient farming system that can adapt to a changing environment. [Citation: Agricultural research]
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