Major trade unions warn of critical situation in Spanish agriculture

(Photo: Pixabay)

They said that despite this year’s favourable weather conditions, falling producer prices and the unstoppable rise in production costs had led to widespread losses in the sector. Farmers are “starting the harvest season in the red” soon, they added. They said the European Union had “made a serious mistake” by allowing the huge influx of grain from Ukraine without checks and guarantees. “Since the start of the war, imports of soft wheat into Europe have increased sevenfold, seriously distorting markets and displacing Spanish grain from its own country,” they stressed.

The unions have forwarded their concerns and demands to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas

In their letter, they demand an immediate review of the trade agreement with Ukraine, introducing restrictions on wheat and barley imports, allowing European producers to survive. They also call for special support for domestic grain producers and direct aid to offset the higher costs of fertilizers. The unions made their statement public a day after farmers in Segovia took to the streets again to demand a fair price for their grain.

MTI