The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha announced on 31 August 2026 in the Diario Oficial de Castilla-La Mancha (DOCM) a new grant scheme to prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by wild rabbits. The application period begins on 1 September 2026 and runs until 30 September 2026.
A total budget of 2 million eurosis available. Grants will cover up to 70 per cent of eligible costs; the maximum amount that can be applied for is 14,500 euros per application, of which up to 10,150 euros may be awarded as a grant. To speed up implementation, an automatic 50 per cent advance payment is предусмотрed, payable without guarantees. The measure is provided under the de minimis regime.
Three types of preventive work are eligible: installing fences with fine mesh to keep out rabbits, using individual plant-protection guards, and removing majanos (stone piles) that provide shelter for the animals. Individuals, businesses and communities of goods with agricultural land are eligible to apply, provided they are registered in the regional register of holdings and meet their tax obligations. The areas classified as comarcas de emergencia cinegética and therefore covered by the grant are specified in the rules published in the DOCM (Orden 122/2026) and subsequent administrative steps.
The regional administration is responsible for publication, assessment and approval; the DOCM notice sets out the application documents, deadlines and evidence requirements. After approval, the balance is paid upon submission of suitable evidence that the measures have been carried out. The grants are therefore designed as preventive investment support and do not compensate for crop losses; in parallel, the Junta had urged the insurer Agroseguro to extend cover for rabbit damage, complementing risk prevention by farms.
The background is the persistently high density of wild rabbits across large parts of the region and the resulting crop damage. In recent months, the Junta had announced additional measures to ease pressure on particularly affected crops. Agricultural organisations are calling for further action. Against this backdrop, the Asaja association has called for a mobilisation in Toledo on 6 October. With the grants now opening, the regional government is focusing primarily on protective measures that can be implemented quickly in the fields, while the DOCM provides information on the boundaries of eligible areas and the state-aid rules.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).