The same agricultural federation has called for a major national march in Madrid on February 21, taking place in front of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In the days ahead, other unions are expected to join, including independent transport associations that had halted distribution in 2022, signaling a broad coalition ready to press for action.
Leading agricultural bodies such as Asaja, COAG, and UPA are finalizing their protest plans. According to information provided to Efeagro, the mobilizations will begin next Thursday in Ávila, Salamanca, Ciudad Real and several other regions. The calendar lists actions in Huesca; a ninth day in Zamora and Bilbao; the thirteenth in La Rioja and Zaragoza (FIMA). On February 14 the demonstrations will concentrate in Toledo, Guadalajara, Jaén, Palencia and Soria; the fifteenth in Castellón; the twenty-first in Murcia; the twenty-second in Aragonese areas and the twenty-third in León.
The core demands presented to the government and the European Commission focus on several structural changes that farmers believe are essential for a sustainable sector. These include revisiting and repealing the CAP Strategic Plan and other European Green Deal policies, which farmers argue restrict agricultural and livestock development through measures like crop rotation requirements and the expansion of fallow lands and pastures.
Officials call for a significant reduction in administrative and bureaucratic burdens to ease compliance and operational costs for producers.
Farmers also seek reforms in the Food Chain Law. They contend that current market dynamics still lead to losses for those producing raw agricultural products, indicating that the system is not functioning as it should for primary producers.
Another major request targets the rules governing trade with third countries. The groups demand uniform application of phytosanitary and animal welfare standards for all imports, regardless of their country of origin, to prevent uneven competition.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the agriculture sector calls for changes in policy related to grain prices in Spain. They argue that domestic prices are falling and that non-EU products should face appropriate customs measures to restore balance in the market.
There is also a push to repeal the new Animal Welfare Act, with organizers stating that the law fails to reflect the sustainability realities of current livestock operations.
Another point of contention is the designation of the wolf on the List of Wild Species Under Special Protection Regime. Farmers claim that the presence of the wolf creates recurrent challenges for livestock farming and coexistence, urging reconsideration of its status within LESPRES.
Protestors advocate loosening restrictions on fertilizers and phytosanitary products, arguing these controls are essential for proper crop growth and yields.
Financial relief remains a priority. Calls include maintaining agricultural diesel bonuses, reducing VAT on fuel and electricity, a general tax cut, and the removal of price speculation that affects farming costs.
There is a demand for clearer product labeling, including double-origin labeling and transparent price disclosures that show the price paid at origin and the final consumer price, ensuring consumers see the entire value chain. The push also includes stronger commitments to research and development, with an emphasis on climate and geoengineering applications that could benefit farming practices.
Finally, there is a call for a water management policy that caters to regional needs. The proposed framework would take measures to protect Spain’s interests while prioritizing agreements with other countries to secure water resources for agriculture.
Notes and attributions: The details above reflect statements from the organizing bodies and statements reported by Efeagro, cited in coverage of the planned mobilizations. (Attribution: Efeagro)