Farm diesel jumps 48% as Spain’s growers threaten protests

Spanish farming groups are threatening protests unless they receive help with soaring farm diesel costs. In Madrid on Tuesday, their representatives set out their demands before a meeting called for that day by Agriculture Minister Luis Planas. The Asaja farmers’ association puts the rise in agricultural diesel prices at 47% to 48%.

COAG, UPA, Unión de Uniones, Asaja and Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias want direct, lasting support from Spain’s government, the autonomous communities and the European Union. They say producers need the measures to keep working as energy prices hit the primary sector.

Diesel and fertiliser costs at the centre

Andrés Góngora, secretary general of the Coordinadora de Organizaciones de Agricultores y Ganaderos (COAG), says diesel is the central issue. He wants compensation for the price increase of up to the 70% permitted by the European Union, alongside further help with fertiliser and tax measures.

Without a solution, he warns, thousands of hectares could go unsown. Cristóbal Cano of UPA has called for the continuation of the 20-cent benefit and a special tax measure. He also wants the National Commission for Markets and Competition to investigate the practices of major oil companies.

Farmers say they are already making losses

Luis Cortés of Unión de Uniones says many farmers are producing at a loss. His organisation is demanding specific, permanent support and says farmers will take to the streets if authorities fail to act.

Asaja president Pedro Barato says any farm diesel price above one euro is unbearable. He wants Spanish and European funds to offset the increase, warning that output could be sharply reduced.

Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias president Ángel Villafranca has also demanded rapid compensation and an index-linking clause like the one approved for hauliers. He says the aim is to stop higher costs reaching the shopping basket.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com