Exports continue to drive Spain's livestock markets

The strategy of the Spanish livestock sector is now focused on a more controlled expansion and diversification of EXPORT markets, according to a USDA report . In total, the Spanish MEAT sector, including cattle and pigs, is ready to invest about 4.2 billion US dollars, partly through European Union (EU) Next Generation funds, to improve animal welfare, sustainability, efficiency and modernization of the sector.

To achieve these goals, the sector will invest in technology and smart farming to improve the well-being of workers and add value to the livestock chain from ranch to table through promotional campaigns. The Spanish meat sector is committed to sustainability, rural development and the recovery of the Spanish economy from the pandemic.

Across the country, two million people depend on beef farming for their livelihood, mostly in rural areas that have been hardest hit by the depopulation. Spain's livestock production provides the country's agricultural production with more than $17 billion, while the Spanish meat industry has a turnover of more than $30 billion. This accounts for 22.6% of Spain's entire food industry, making it the leading sector with $10.4 billion in exports.

The increase in Spain's live cattle exports to North Africa and the Middle East and the opening of new markets for Spanish beef have alleviated in part the hardships resulting from the closure of the hotel sector during the covid-19 pandemic . However, Spanish livestock keepers still face challenges, with higher feed and energy costs not being reflected in the selling prices of their animals.