Aragón's Government Fights Back: Water Cuts Threaten Agriculture's Future

Ebro, Spain - On this June 26, 2025, the Government of Aragón voices strong objections against the proposed reductions in irrigation water allocations from the Ebro River. This issue is not just a bureaucratic affair; it poses a substantial threat to the local agro-food sector, which is a significant pillar of the regional economy. The proposed cuts, ranging from 12% to 15% in water supplies as outlined recently, have drawn attention from various government officials who deem such measures „inaceptable.“

President of the Government of Aragón, along with other local leaders, firmly believes there needs to be more flexibility in water use, especially given the unpredictable nature of this year’s hydrological conditions. This call for flexibility is echoed in the official amendments submitted for the fourth cycle of planning for the Ebro Basin (covering 2028-2033). They argue that current assessments by the Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro (CHE) underestimate the actual water needs of Aragón’s agricultural sector, as reported by El Periódico de Aragón.

Agricultural Sector at Risk

Manuel Blasco, the Aragón Minister for the Environment, underscores the lack of consideration for agricultural needs in CHE’s initial proposal. He pointedly states that the absence of plans for new irrigated land is concerning, particularly for the right bank of the Ebro, where further cultivation is desired. The CHE’s foundation for this proposal focuses heavily on water efficiency and modernizing irrigation systems, yet critics argue such strategies fail to account for the changing agricultural demands, especially in light of climate change impacts.

Climate change exacerbates water scarcity and poses broader implications for agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions, as discussed by the Global Water Forum. The Ebro Basin, which spans over 85,600 km² and accounts for a significant portion of Spain’s agricultural output, is expected to experience intensified water shortages. This situation is alarming as agricultural production accounts for approximately 92% of water extractions in the region, highlighting the delicate balance that needs to be maintained.

A Call for Constructive Dialogue

With projections indicating a 30% increase in water demand in the Ebro Basin by 2027, paired with anticipated reductions in water availability of up to 30% by 2100 due to climate change, the need for adaptable water management solutions is urgent. The region’s agricultural sector already faces various pressures, and experts agree that without inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders involved, the future remains uncertain.

Blasco is advocating for a collaborative approach where agricultural needs are considered alongside environmental and economic factors. The requests also include establishing new hydraulic projects within future phases of the Ebro’s hydrological plan and ensuring that upcoming water allocations are informed by climatic trends and soil moisture evaluations.

The implications of these discussions go beyond short-term water management. The agro-food sector in Aragón constitutes about 15% of its Gross Domestic Product, reinforcing just how vital this sector is for the local economy. The Government of Aragón’s insistence on engaging all parties in these ongoing water management dialogues could very well shape the future sustainability of the region’s agriculture.