This paper analyzes the impacts of an increase in perennial crops on irrigation water requirements and on the vulnerability of the agricultural system to climatic events in Spain as well as its implications for water policy. The analysis shows the steady growth of perennial crops in the period 1990‑2023 at the expense of arable crops in both rainfed and irrigated systems and how the southern basins of the country have adapted to structural scarcity by using precision irrigation and deficit irrigation. This has economic consequences in the form of higher water productivity and greater vulnerability to droughts. In terms of hydrological consequences, the reduction of irrigation returns, which are possibly being overestimated in the basin balances with the risk of over‑allocation of resources, stands out. The likely increasing frequency of droughts and increasing irrigation water requirements, due to rising temperatures, increase the vulnerability of the system to extreme weather events. These findings can be used to support efficient allocation of water resources, improving water policy for adaptation to increasing risks related to droughts and water scarcity.

Hurtado A.R., Espinosa‑Tasón J., Berbel J. (2025). Impacto de la Expansión de Cultivos Perennes en España (1990-2023). ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria 121(2): 183-198. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2025.004

Esta investigación forma parte de los proyectos PID2023‑146274OB‑I00 (Agencia Estatal de Investigación) y TED2021‑131066B‑I00 (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)