The Regional Government opens public consultation for almond tree aid due to frosts

The General Directorate of Agricultural and Livestock Production has submitted for public consultation the draft order approving the regulatory bases for the granting of subsidies, under a competitive bidding process, aimed at holders of almond farms affected by frosts. The announcement is published in the Official Gazette of the Regional Government of Andalusia (BOJA) number 165, dated August 26, 2026, within the general provisions section.

The measure, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, responds to the damage caused by frosts that occurred in various provinces of Andalusia during the months of March and April 2026, an episode of great impact for the almond sector in the community. The aid falls under the de minimis regime, the community framework that allows States to grant small amounts of subsidies without the need for prior notification to the European Commission.

A preliminary step before final approval

The resolution, dated August 10, 2026, opens the public consultation period for the draft order, a mandatory step before the final approval of the regulatory bases. During this process, interested parties and the general public may submit allegations and contributions to the text.

The procedure is processed under a competitive bidding regime, meaning that the subsidies will be granted by comparing the applications submitted and prioritizing them according to the criteria established by the bases themselves. The de minimis regime limits the maximum cumulative amount that a single company can receive over a period of three fiscal years, in accordance with applicable European regulations.

Beneficiaries and territorial scope

The aid is aimed at holders of almond farms that have suffered damage from the frosts recorded in March and April 2026. The text refers to “various provinces of Andalusia,” without the announcement detailing the specific list of affected regions or municipalities at this stage.

• Issuing body: General Directorate of Agricultural and Livestock Production.
• Competent Ministry: Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
• Granting regime: competitive bidding.
• Aid framework: de minimis regime.
• Damage period: frosts of March and April 2026.
• Official document: text no. 11248, 2 pages.

Relevance for the sector

The publication of these regulatory bases represents a decisive step for Andalusian almond producers to access compensation for the losses suffered during last spring. The almond tree is one of the most widespread woody crops in Andalusia, and late frosts, coinciding with flowering, can severely compromise the year’s harvest.

With this public information process, the Regional Government of Andalusia advances in the design of a stable framework of aid which, once approved, will allow for the calling of subsidies and the channeling of funds toward the affected farmers. Interested parties may consult the draft order and submit allegations during the determined period, before the guidelines enter into force.

Source: Official Gazette of the Regional Government of Andalusia (BOJA), number 165, of August 26, 2026, section 1. General provisions (official reference: text no. 11248).