The farmers’ protests have now spread to Spain. Several farmers’ associations have announced protests across the country on February 6. The participants could block major highways, border crossings with France and ports from which agricultural products from neighboring Morocco are imported.
On February 21, a large demonstration will take place in front of the Ministry of Agriculture in Madrid. There are fears that farmers could try to paralyze the capital with tractors. There were already isolated protests in many Spanish cities in January. Now they should be bigger and more organized. Just like their colleagues in France and Germany, who are currently also taking to the streets (see video above), Spanish farmers are also struggling with price dumping and strict EU requirements.
Gate blocked due to cheap oranges
In mid-January, the Valencian farmers’ association blocked the port of Castellón, where masses of cheap oranges are imported from Egypt. In Almería there is Moroccan cheap competition in the production of tomatoes and watermelons. It was said that due to high EU standards it was not possible to keep track of this.
In addition, farmers criticize the lack of help from politicians. The country has been suffering from increasingly longer and more extreme droughts for three years, leading to losses in inputs and harvests. According to farmers’ union UdU, almost 35 percent less grain and about 21 percent less wine was produced last year. Losses were even greater in the production of lemons and oranges (minus 40 percent) and olive oil (minus 58 percent).
Subsidies and anti-drought strategy demanded
2024 could also be a record drought year. In Andalusia, farmers will therefore have to implement strict water rationing as early as January. The farmers’ associations are demanding more subsidies and strategies from politicians in the fight against the drought.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
