Sector Insights Series | Spain's agriculture and livestock sector: impact and climate action

2025 / November / 18

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Authors:

Diego García-Vega for alinnea

Date:

November 18, 2025

Summary

The report analyzes the climate impact of Spain’s agriculture and livestock sector, which accounts for 12.2% of national greenhouse gas emissions, with a very large share from livestock, especially methane and nitrous oxide.

It sets out the current regulatory framework (CAP, NECP, and PNACC) and shows how European and national policies are integrating mitigation and adaptation objectives, albeit with still limited ambition.

It identifies key barriers and proposes lines of action such as a just transition for small farmers, the territorialization of policies, and strengthening competitiveness within the framework of international trade.

Extent: 19 pages.

Languages: English and Spanish

Although carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the sector are limited, livestock and agriculture are the main sources of methane and nitrous oxide.