“Agriculture is more than a way of life”defended this monday Mutxamel Mayor Rafael GarcíaAs the first speaker at the round table meeting on agriculture within the framework of the Municipality Forum 2023, he also brought together his counterparts from Turkey. Aspe, Antonio Puerto, Pinoso, Lázaro Azorín and Almoradí, María Gómez.
drought, increase in prices The topics included the necessity of attracting young people to the countryside, from the moment the artichoke, tomato, grape or wine leaves the farmer’s hand until it reaches the consumer’s table, and even the water itself, or the added value of gastronomy culture. these have been discussed.
María Gómez underlined the uncertainty: Insecurity occurring in the Vega Baja region due to drought and outages in Tajo-Segura. “Younger generations are having a hard time participating due to the increase in prices and water problems,” Gómez said. Antonio Puerto went further: “When young people go to the countryside and earn money, intergenerational change will be profitable.” Rafael García demanded policies and funds that would make the sector attractive for this generation change.
Catering
The mayor of Almoradí expressed concern that they might have to resort to drought wells in the south of the province if water shortages continued, while the first mayor of Aspe also said that “this would be a disaster for our quality products.” highlighted how water from Júcar-Vinalopó would supply 350 cubic hectometers for ten years; this represents a guaranteed contribution, at least for table grapes.
Puerto still criticized “to manage on the ground”So, at least in his municipality, agricultural land has no special protection against macro-exploitation of photovoltaic energy.
Recognition
Lázaro Azorín, on the other hand, explained that in the Pinoso case “the situation is hopeful, because there is still a phase left for the water to arrive”, because there is funding and a clear determination to achieve it.
«Agriculture should be recognized and thankedand I thank the farming families who have supported this for generations,” emphasized Azorín, who claims to value agriculture.
Meanwhile, the first mayor of Mutxamel also touched upon the importance of the provincial water table, where everyone comes together with one voice and demands water at affordable prices.
lack of solidarity
“The worst nationalism that can exist is when one community that has water does not want to give water to another,” said the mayor of Aspe, also deploring the continuing 4- to 5-fold increase in raw material prices. He left the field until he reached the houses. He demanded price control for this.
Lázaro Azorín also showed pride in owning a rental land bank; Rafael García emphasized: Green corridor of the Monnegre river and offers a different tourism opportunity with its historical irrigation ditches; María Gómez expressed concern about the gradual disappearance of small farms; Antonio Puerto claimed a National Hydrographic Plan.