Small farms in Spain common agricultural policy (2023-2027): A critical review

The role of small-scale farming in forming a sustainable food system is significant due to its greater ability to support biodiversity, ensure food and job availability for the population in remote rural areas, and preserve the identity of local production. Accordingly, any Commission Agricultural Policy reform requires evaluation from this perspective. The aim of this study was to critically assess the potential for adapting the needs of small-scale farming in Spain's new Commission Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan and to provide recommendations to address identified imbalances. Consequently, an analytical review of the agricultural sector was conducted, guided by statistical information, to investigate the main trends in the transformative changes within Spain's farming structure. The analysis of the political document allowed for the identification of component changes in line with the agricultural policy reform. The method of analytical-critical thinking was used to analyse the payment structure and fair distribution of funds for small-scale farming. As a result, the study identified weaknesses and disparities in Spain's new Commission Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan and provided relevant recommendations that could facilitate better adaptation of small farms to the new agricultural policy. The provided recommendations can serve as a basis for further scientific discussion and improvement of agricultural policy. This research can be useful for stakeholders in making political decisions to better adapt to the stated ambitious goals of the new Commission Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan