Luis Planas, the Minister of Agriculture and Food, stated that the separation of ships carrying Ukraine grain has a market impact that is broadly positive. He believes the trajectory of food purchases in the near future will remain favorable for consumers and producers alike.
During a visit to Malaga, Planas told reporters on Tuesday that while Ukrainian grain is essential for Spain, its importance extends beyond one nation. It matters for Europe and for the global food system as a whole.
The General Manager of Agriculture and Fisheries noted that grain prices have been moving down sharply in the Chicago futures market. He added that energy and freight costs have also fallen, contributing to a softer overall price environment.
In the FAO’s recent assessment, food prices were described as having declined notably. Planas highlighted this trend as evidence of improving conditions in the world market for staple foods.
He argued that several factors are aligned to support a more optimistic forecast for food prices, pointing to improving indicators across multiple sectors of the supply chain.
On farmers’ concerns about the enforcement of the Food Chain Law, Planas affirmed that the law is functioning, and suggested that if it did not, outcomes would be markedly different. He emphasized that this crisis differs from past episodes, noting a balance within the supply chain that has allowed gradual progress.
The minister also announced that from January 1 a digital record of contracts will be created, acknowledging that more work remains to ensure full compliance with this law, which has already appeared in the official gazette since December. He stressed the need for collaboration among all public administrations and agricultural organizations and cooperatives to uphold the rule, describing it as a pioneering and innovative framework designed to protect farmers and ensure fair outcomes for winners in the market.
Planas described the current period as complex, as the government designs policies to address the consequences of the Ukraine conflict and ongoing droughts, aiming to help citizens withstand these pressures. He noted that these measures have contributed to Spain achieving one of the lowest electricity prices in the European Union and to the introduction of transport vouchers starting in September aimed at supporting family savings.
In urging unity for a collective solution, Planas asserted that enduring resilience requires not only effort and commitment but also a cooperative spirit. He commented that this is not the time for disputes, but for constructive work and shared progress.
His Malaga visit was accompanied by Juan Espadas, the head of the Andalusian PSOE, and Daniel Pérez, the party’s general secretary in Malaga.