The minister of Agriculture, Water, Livestock Farming and Fisheries, Miguel Barrachina, has taken part in the inauguration of the congress of La Unió Llauradora i Ramadera, where he reviewed the key challenges facing the agricultural and livestock sector in the Valencian Community, as the regional administration has stated in a note.
During his speech, Barrachina emphasized that "the future of Valencian farming depends on ensuring generational renewal, facilitating the modernization of farms, and securing fair competition conditions for our farmers and livestock farmers".
Regarding the entry of new professionals, the minister recalled the 548 incorporations of young people and new farmers from the latest call, endowed with 27.4 million euros. Of that total, 159 applications were processed through La Unió, with an approval percentage of 88 percent. In addition, he has advanced a new line of aid with another 10 million euros.
"The incorporation of young people must respond to viable business projects, capable of guaranteeing the continuity of farms and generating opportunities in rural areas," Barrachina said.
On the modernization of farms, the regional official detailed the results of the 50 million euro call, which received 833 applications, with initiatives that represent an overall investment of 86.7 million euros. Of these requests, 196 have been processed with the support of La Unió.
Barrachina also referred to the recovery of woody crops damaged by the dana, for which 580 aid applications have been submitted in order to replant around 1,200 hectares and a requested amount of 7.3 million euros. "The recovery of damaged trees is essential so that farmers can maintain their activity and remain linked to their farms," he said.
Extensive livestock farming and biosecurity
In the livestock sector, efforts have focused on biosecurity actions against health threats such as African swine fever. The line intended to strengthen livestock competitiveness has an endowment of 9 million euros and has received requests from 446 farms.
He has also referred to the Valencian Strategy for the Promotion of Extensive Livestock Farming 2026-2030, structured around three pillars, eleven axes, and 70 measures. This plan includes aspects such as administrative simplification, generational renewal, commercialization, digitization, and animal health.
"Extensive livestock farming plays a role that goes beyond food production. Its presence in our mountains contributes to land management and the prevention of wildfires," he said.
Plant health, insurance, and differentiated quality
With regard to plant health, Barrachina emphasized the importance of prevention and control of pests in a context of increasing international circulation of harmful organisms for crops. The budget forecast for this area exceeds 38 million euros in 2026. Among the standout measures are the distribution of traps against the fruit fly, 480,000 diffusers against the rice weevil, and a new line of 700,000 euros aimed at farmers affected by the nervous chlorosis of citrus fruits.
The defense of agricultural incomes and coverage against climate risks were also addressed in his remarks. In this regard, the councillor referred to the 35.3 million euros planned for 2026 to support the contracting of agricultural insurance.
Regarding differentiated quality, he detailed the aid aimed at 21 regulatory councils and entities linked to quality figures and the CV brand, with funding of more than 1.8 million euros. Among the covered products are Arroz de Valencia, Chufa de Valencia, Kaki Ribera del Xúquer, Uva Embolsada del Vinalopó, Granada Mollar de Elche, Cítricos Valencianos, and wines from the protected designations of origin Valencia, Alicante, and Utiel-Requena.
"Our products have an identity and recognized quality. It is important to maintain the control, certification, and promotion systems that make it possible to differentiate them in the markets," he said.