Mallorca farm diesel up 51% as farmers plan protests

On Mallorca, in Spain’s Balearic Islands, farm diesel costs 51% more than a year ago: a farmers’ union is joining plans for protests across Spain. The Spanish government extended its 20-cent aid on Tuesday, 29 September, but the Balearic branch of the Young Farmers’ Agricultural Association (Asaja) says it is not enough. The aid was introduced six months ago.

Asaja estimates that higher diesel prices alone add around 1.7 million euros a year to farming costs across the Balearics compared with last year. Fertiliser and other supplies cost more too, while farming on islands brings additional costs.

The union wants income tax relief on 35% of farm diesel bills and 15% of fertiliser bills. It is also seeking deductions for rising costs faced by farmers and livestock keepers taxed on their actual earnings, and higher VAT compensation under the special farming scheme. Asaja says farming groups will agree their protest plans together in the coming days.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com