THE SPANISH COMBINED AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE SYSTEM AS A STRATEGIC TOOL FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE OF BLUEBERRY CULTIVATION: A FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL CHANGE

Abstract

Spain's blueberry sector, a strategic pillar of its agri-food economy, is highly vulnerable to escalating climate risks, making effective risk management imperative for its sustainability. This study provides a thorough financial and economic analysis of the Spanish Combined Agricultural Insurance System (SSAC), a well-established public-private partnership, and evaluates its effectiveness as a tool for stabilizing income and fostering resilience in this vital sector. Using a quantitative methodology, the study combines a descriptive and longitudinal analysis of a decade's worth of data (2016–2024) from official sources (ENESA, MAPA) on insured capital, premiums, subsidies, and indemnities. The analysis is structured on three levels: the aggregate system, the sectoral line for soft fruits, and a specific case study on the underwriting data for blueberries in Huelva, its main production hub. The results reveal a high insurance penetration rate, critically supported by public subsidies covering approximately 50% of the premium cost. The system demonstrates a robust capacity as a financial buffer, effectively mitigating income shocks from increasing claims. The analysis identifies Huelva's near-total hegemony in the national blueberry insurance market (concentrating >90% of the capital) and a strategic preference among its farmers for insurance modules that balance protection and cost. The study concludes that the SSAC is an indispensable strategic asset for the resilience of the Spanish blueberry sector. However, its long-term efficacy hinges on its ability to evolve dynamically. We recommend policy enhancements focused on greater product flexibility, integrating technology into loss assessment, and creating incentives for on-farm preventive measures. These adaptations are essential to align the insurance framework with the challenges posed by global change and to ensure the continued competitiveness of this vital rural industry.