Several thousand farmers and around a hundred tractors will take to the streets this Monday, February 26, 2024, in the center of Madrid, Spain. Convened by agricultural organizations Asaja, COAG and UPA, they will march under the theme “The Country Demands Support, Respect and Knowledge” in search of solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector, a statement said.
The date was chosen to coincide with the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the European Union, which will discuss possible measures to quickly and structurally address the crisis in the agricultural sector. Topics to be discussed include the possible flexibility of the CAP (strengthened conditionality rules) and the negotiation of “mirror clauses”.
Protests in various cities will continue over the next few months of 2024. Photo: @TheObjective_es/X
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Why are farmers protesting?
Spanish farmers and ranchers are protesting over the crisis in the sector and the agricultural policies of the European Union, the central government and the autonomous communities. They reiterate that their situation is critical and therefore call for urgent and coordinated action from the authorities.
Among the reasons for the mobilizations are the lack of fair prices for their products that allow them to achieve a minimum level of profitability; the increase in production costs; the excessive bureaucracy and strict requirements of agricultural regulations; cuts in aid or trade barriers; in other aspects.
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How long will the protests last in Spain?
Following the February mobilizations in different parts of Spain, the cooperatives and associations Asaja, UPA, COAG and UCCL have announced a calendar of protests for the months of March, April and May in different regions of the country.
On the other hand, Spanish farmers and ranchers are demanding reforms that the sector needs, such as a change in the functioning of the Agricultural and Food Chain Law, an adequate agricultural insurance system, taxation that reflects the costs of the sector and urgent investments in irrigation infrastructure.
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What is the schedule of protests in Spain?
As for the timing and route of the protest, it will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will begin at the Department of Agriculture. The route includes the Paseo del Prado, Recoletos and Castellana until it reaches the European Commission Office in Madridwith completion scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
The tractors will begin their march at 9:00 a.m. from the Arganda Bridge and enter the capital via National Highway 3, Avenida Mediterranean and the city of Barcelona. and then meet at Paseo de Infanta Isabel, in front of the Ministry of Agriculture.