The Minister of Rural Development of Cantabria, María Jesús Susinos, has defended the need to introduce greater flexibility in Agroseguro's coverage in the face of the increase in emerging diseases affecting livestock.
Susinos made this proposal during her speech at a working meeting of Agroseguro for the northern zone, a meeting attended by executives of the entity, territorial managers, commercial agents, technical staff, and representatives of the livestock sector from Asturias, León, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, in addition to the Director General of Livestock, Alfredo Álvarez.
According to the regional government, the data for the 2025 fiscal year in Cantabria were presented during the day, with a balance of policies contracted, the evolution of registered claims, and the main modifications and novelties included in the different agricultural insurance products.
The minister highlighted that Agroseguro already incorporates "fundamental coverages that have brought stability to the sector," including compensation for the slaughter of animals affected by diseases such as tuberculosis or brucellosis. "These coverages have been key to providing peace of mind to our farmers in difficult situations," she stressed.
Based on this, she emphasized that it is essential to continue adapting the system to a completely different health scenario, conditioned by the continuous emergence of new diseases. "Today we no longer talk about isolated diseases on one continent. We live in a globalized world where, in a very short time, a disease can move from Africa to any point in Europe, including Spain," she pointed out.
In this regard, she expressed her particular concern about the current situation of the livestock sector, which faces "months of enormous concern" due to the spread of new pathologies, including hemorrhagic disease, nodular dermatosis, or the possible advance of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.
The minister also recalled the recent episode of hemorrhagic disease in Cantabria, which caused significant losses in numerous farms, although the situation was later brought under control thanks to the vaccination campaign.
In this context, Susinos has once again insisted on one of his priority demands, which he has repeatedly conveyed to the Ministry and has been defending since the beginning of the legislature: the need to make Agroseguro policies more flexible.
"What we propose is that the policies are not rigid or closed, but that they can be kept open and adapt to the emergence of new diseases, allowing coverage for situations that are not contemplated today," he explained.
He stressed that this reform would strengthen the protection of the livestock sector, which carries out its work in an environment of "high health uncertainty."
"It is not just about compensating for economic damages, but about providing stability and confidence to those who live off the land," he stated.
On the other hand, he recalled that the Government of Cantabria allocates 2.3 million euros each year to the agricultural insurance system, a contribution that makes it possible to subsidize 25% of the cost of policies in ordinary claims —such as accidents, traumas, or calf deaths— and 53% of the expenses for collecting and removing dead animals.
To conclude, Susinos valued the coordinated work between administrations, insurance companies, and professionals in the field, and reiterated his commitment to continue promoting adjustments that allow Agroseguro to better respond to current challenges. "It is a request that I also involve all of you in, because you are key agents to open this debate and move forward together towards a more flexible, more effective, and useful system for our livestock farmers," he concluded.
Source - https://www.democrata.es
