A recent report by Greenpeace highlights the adverse effects of agribusiness on the social fabric of olive-growing villages and family agriculture in Andalusia. The traditional olive groves are facing intense pressure from large investment funds that dominate the distribution of public subsidies and water resources necessary for farming. Data from the 2023-24 campaign indicates that a mere 0.08% of recipients of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), those receiving over €500,000 in subsidies, are taking in 10% of the total budget, while 60% only receive less than €5,000 a year.

The trend toward super-intensive olive farming has led to these operations receiving water allocations that are three times higher than those received by traditional olive groves. This inequitable distribution of resources not only amplifies the challenges faced by smaller, family-owned farms but also threatens the very essence of olive farming communities in the region. Environmentalists are sounding the alarm about the sustainability of this approach, arguing that it could lead to long-term damage to the local ecosystem and heritage.

The implications of these practices extend beyond agriculture, affecting rural communities and their socio-economic structures. As investment funds continue to prioritize profit over sustainability, traditional farming methods, which have been part of Andalusia's culture and economy for centuries, are at risk. The report serves as a critical wake-up call for stakeholders to reconsider the impact of large-scale agribusiness on local agriculture and rural society.