Alicante’s Asaja joined protests as major Spanish agricultural groups gathered in Córdoba to align with local celebrations. A European Ministers of Agriculture Summit brought together farmers, ranchers, and policymakers in a show of unity. The mobilization underscored concerns about US policies and a perceived growing threat from external competition. Leaders noted rising costs and a challenging climate for the sector, with Jose Vicente Andreu traveling to Andalusia alongside other city officials and technical advisers, such as Ramon Espinosa, to participate in talks and coordinate responses.
At the summit, farmers and ranchers benefited from high-level engagement, with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Janusz Wojciechowski, in attendance. He emphasized the need for a clearer set of game rules where EU policies place food safety, quality, and the integrity of the EU’s production system at the forefront for member states and their citizens.
The Spanish countryside has called for equal treatment of European productions and those from third countries. They argue for stricter border controls to ensure that imported foods meet the same phytosanitary, labor, and quality standards that European producers must satisfy. This stance also critiques free trade agreements, such as the one with Mercosur, which are viewed as tools that can disadvantage regional agriculture by altering exchange rates and risking the closure of thousands of European farms. In this context, producers stress the importance of safeguarding agricultural value chains and the livelihoods they support.
Organizers also brought attention to the recent CAP reform approved by Brussels, noting a mismatch between ambitions and resources. They argue that strategies like Farm to Table and the Nature Restoration Act risk becoming mere green showcases unless backed by a realistic plan with robust support measures to help professional farmers transition in a fair, balanced, and economically viable manner.
All of this unfolds as agricultural producers report a difficult period. Protests’ organizers describe a ruinous environment, citing more than a 35% rise in production costs since 2022 and reduced productivity due to drought and volatile input prices that fail to cover basic production costs. The economic strain underscores the urgency of policy action that protects farming communities and keeps food affordable for consumers across Europe.
The waters of Júcar-Vinalopó are linked to an economic impact of 270 million euros in the province of Alicante, illustrating how regional water management and agricultural output are interconnected. This reality reinforces the call from Asaja, COAG, UPA, and Agri-Food Cooperatives for urgent changes in agricultural policies and food systems, treating them as top priorities to preserve the productive fabric of European farming. The goal remains clear: ensure that communities receive healthy, safe food at accessible prices while supporting farmers and ranchers in their essential role.
Transfer
Additionally, Alicante farmers are asking for guarantees of sufficient water quantity and quality. They advocate for the maintenance of the Tajo-Segura transfer and broad access to water for all Spaniards, underscoring water security as a fundamental element of agricultural sustainability and regional economic stability.