Fruit and vegetable farming stands as a strategic pillar in Spain, delivering substantial economic, social, regional, and environmental value. Latest figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food show Spanish fruit and vegetable production at about 28 million tons, with an average production value exceeding 15 billion euros. This positions Spain as the top EU producer and the third-largest globally. With more than half of its output destined for international markets, the sector has a pronounced export orientation, reporting a net export value of 18.4 billion euros and a trade surplus above 13.4 billion euros in 2021. [Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food]
Consell recently launched the II Valencia Plan for Organic Farming (2021-2025), allocating over 114.28 million euros compared to 78 million in the prior program. [Source: Consell Valencia]
Figures become even more meaningful when they are examined regionally. In southeast Spain, the sector represents around 10% of regional GDP. In Alicante province, Vega Baja stands out as the leader of agriculture, hosting Europe’s most productive and high-quality orchards. Agricultural GDP in this region exceeds 6%, accounting for 53% of provincial production while occupying 26% of the arable land. Core product groups include citrus fruits (60.1%), vegetables (20.4%), and fruit trees (9.9%).
However, the provincial agricultural sector faces significant challenges to remain competitive amid water shortages, rising energy costs, and increasing prices of inputs. ASAJA Alicante has warned that the 2021 agricultural balance shows a drop in the province’s overall agricultural value by 11%, despite slight gains in input prices received by farmers compared with the previous two years. In 2020, agriculture accounted for more than 522 million euros; in 2021, about 464 million euros, while the cultivated area remained steady at 130,363 hectares.
Alicante leads certified organic production in the Community, with 87,510 tons, reflecting higher efficiency in production.
Improve and optimize resources
Against this backdrop, farmers seek to overcome major hurdles, notably the surge in production costs and input prices. ASAJA Alicante notes electricity costs for irrigation rising as much as 270%, fuel oil and fertilizers up 48%, water up 33%, greenhouse plastics up 46%, and seeds used by tractors and other equipment up 20%, with machinery costs climbing 73%. Added to these is the ongoing instability of the Tajo-Segura water transfers.
To tackle these pressures, both the Generalitat Valenciana and the sector are implementing measures to improve resource management and cut operating costs. Investments in technology, innovation, and a shift toward ecological farming are central to these efforts.
When addressing water resources, Consell emphasizes inclusive policy planning, irrigation modernization, treated water reuse, desalination, and the adoption of new technologies. Hydrological planning is pursued with sustainable solutions and climate-change indicators, supported by years of work in three main areas: investment and assistance, farmer income support, and research projects at IVIA.
The cultivated area in the province remained stable compared with 2020, totaling 130,363 hectares.
An example of progress is a photovoltaic pumping system for irrigation installed at a local well, enabling 100% renewable irrigation with zero CO2 emissions, reducing energy costs by 60% and conserving up to 30% of water usage. The Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, Climate Change and Rural Development encouraged wastewater reuse projects in 2016, while suspending irrigation modernization aid not requested by the prior government since 2011.
Promoting organic farming
To boost profitability, the regional government supports differentiation of productions and added value by prioritizing organic farming, aligning with commitments to quality and sustainability, where Spain is already among Europe’s largest producers.
Valencia launched the Valencia Plan for Organic Farming (2016-2020), which spurred an 81.2% growth in certified areas and a 51.1% rise in operators. The II Valencia Plan for Organic Farming (2021-2025) follows with a budget exceeding 114.28 million euros, compared to 78 million in the previous program. In the Valencian Community, 51% of the ecological area concentrates in Valencia province, with Alicante (25.1%) and Castellón (23.8%) sharing the remainder. Despite this distribution, Alicante’s ecological production with an estimated 87,510 tons demonstrates higher efficiency in production.
Technology and digitalization
There is still more to do, but manufacturers are increasingly embracing technology to optimize processes and cut costs through digitization. Solutions already exist for irrigation automation, automated harvesting, pest and disease control, as well as crop monitoring via drones and remote sensing. The goal is to adopt technologies that enable a more precise, efficient, and sustainable operating environment.
Consell’s integrated policy includes irrigation modernization, treated water reuse, desalination, a commitment to new technologies, and energy efficiency.
Specifically, irrigation control, climate management, conductivity and temperature monitoring, and labor-cost optimization are expected to drive demand for automation and robotics in planting and harvesting. Intelligent systems for irrigation, fertilization, and pest management are also anticipated to play a major role in the coming years.