Madrid tractor protest targets diesel costs and farm prices

Tractors are heading for Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday 28 October: farmers and livestock keepers plan a protest that will end outside Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Asaja, COAG and Unión de Uniones de Agricultores y Ganaderos have called the march. They say rising costs and poor returns threaten the future of farms.

Diesel costs and farm prices

The groups want a lasting cut in tax on agricultural diesel, with discounts applied when farmers fill up. Until that happens, they are asking for emergency help with fuel and other production costs. They warn that cereal farming could be ruined without it.

Farm prices are another concern. The organisers say producers cannot pass on their rising costs and want Spain’s food supply chain law enforced to secure fairer prices.

EU funding, imports and paperwork

The groups oppose cuts to farm funding under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy. They also want imports to meet the same standards as European produce, backed by effective border checks. They reject the EU–Mercosur trade agreement in its current form and the agreement with Morocco.

They are demanding less paperwork, too, saying administrative tasks take time away from work on farms. The three organisations are urging farmers and livestock keepers to join the Madrid protest.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com