Planas underlines the fisheries sector's commitment to sustainability and its essential contribution to global food supply

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, during his address to the media in Vigo (Pontevedra) (Pool Moncloa)

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, has highlighted Spain's international leadership in fisheries and aquaculture, and its essential role in global food security. "The link between the fisheries sector and food security seems to me to be fundamental," stressed the minister, who considers that "fishery products are not only top quality protein, they also have practically the lowest carbon footprint of all the food we eat." In short, they are "premium products for human consumption."

Luis Planas took part in the inauguration of the 26th International Frozen Seafood Products Fair in Vigo (Pontevedra) and stressed that this fair "is the first from the point of view of the marketing and processing of our fishery products that we have in our country". Its being held in Vigo, "the first fishing port of the European Union seems to me to be particularly significant".

Strategic sector for the Spanish economy and society

Planas acknowledged that the fisheries sector, together with its processing and canning industry, is strategic for the Spanish economy and for the social cohesion of coastal areas. With 562 companies, a turnover of almost 8 billion euros and more than 25,000 direct jobs, Spain leads Europe in both the production and processing of seafood products. In 2024, exports exceeded 1.15 million tonnes, worth around 5.5 billion euros, to more than 140 countries.

Planas recalled that the ministry has promoted measures to strengthen the sector, such as the PERTE for canning: "We have managed not only to tender, but to award 19 companies a total of 40 million euros, double the amount initially budgeted.

Disagreement with the European proposal

The minister has clearly stated his disagreement with the European Commission's proposals on the financing of the Common Fisheries Policy. According to Luis Planas, "it represents a cut of practically two thirds of what was the financing of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund". We are facing a "long process of discussion to ensure that European decisions reflect the real needs of the sector".

The minister underlined the urgency of modernising the fishing industry: "We need to carry out 21st century fishing with 21st century boats", and he insisted that this objective requires "an investment effort that needs more than just private investment, but also public support."

Promoting responsible consumption

The minister emphasised that Spain is moving towards a food model that combines health, sustainability and innovation, through the National Food Strategy, a roadmap that guides public policies in the face of major global challenges.

Luis Planas has insisted on the need to recover the presence of seafood products in the daily diet. In this regard, the minister highlighted the institutional campaigns launched as part of the Food from Spain strategy, with an investment of 13 million euros from 2019. Campaigns promoting a healthy, varied and sustainable diet based on the richness of national fisheries.

Non official translation