Highlights: Spain: farmers block many roads. Motives: the same, or almost, as those of their French or Belgian co-religionists. Among those, an end to negotiations with Mercosur, and money from the State which compensates for their shortfalls. There is no question of moving one centimeter the tractors which currently block access to Madrid from the highways coming from Zaragoza, Portugal, or Andalusia. No question, until the government gives in, and accepts an increase in agricultural income by modifying the CAP.

At the call of the three main agricultural unions - Coag, Upa and Asaja - as well as the independent union SOS Rural, thousands of farmers are blocking many arteries in the country. Reasons: the…

Spain: farmers block many roads

At the call of the three main agricultural unions - Coag, Upa and Asaja - as well as the independent union SOS Rural, thousands of farmers are blocking many arteries in the country. Motives: the same, or almost, as those of their French or Belgian co-religionists. Among those, an end to negotiations with Mercosur, and money from the State which compensates for their shortfalls.

Spanish farmers drive their tractor carrying a sign reading "Producers and consumers defrauded, food chain law, the countryside is dying" during a demonstration demanding fair conditions for the agricultural sector, in Burgos, northern Spain. Spain, February 6, 2024. AFP - CESAR MANSO

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Madrid,

François Musseau

There is no question of moving one centimeter the tractors which currently block access to Madrid from the highways coming from Zaragoza, Portugal, or Andalusia. No question, until the government gives in, and accepts an increase in agricultural income by modifying the CAP, the Common Agricultural Policy.

This threat of blockade weighs on Madrid and also on Barcelona, the strikers are determined and will only move if their demands and requests are listened to.

The demonstrators complain about European bureaucracy which means that access to aid is too slow, their products on the market would not cover the cost of production and, moreover, they insist, we must put an end to unfair competition from countries outside the European Union, such as Mexico, India or Australia, and therefore stop negotiations with Mercosur.

In terms of agriculture, Spain weighs heavily in Europe, after France. The country has the largest cultivated area, and the primary sector represents almost 10% of GDP. The farmers say they want to go all the way and, if they are not heard, are talking about blocking the ports of Castellón and Valencia by the end of the month.

Also listen: Farmers' crisis: the impact of the unrest extends around the world

Newsletter

Receive all the international news directly in your inbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

Continue reading on the same themes:

European Union
Agriculture and Fishing
Spain
Social issues
Mercosur

Spain: farmers block many roads

Spain: farmers block many roads

You may like

Trends 24h

Latest