Spain’s farming sector is entering its third week of protests, keeping a close eye on the next moves from Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Luis Planas and the planned rally that could block central Madrid on Wednesday with about 500 tractors arriving from across the country. In the latest meeting between Planas and the three main farming organizations — Asaja, COAG, and UPA — the minister announced the creation of a State Information and Food Monitoring Agency. This agency would bolster inspections along the food supply chain to address violations and help achieve the fair prices sought by workers in the primary sector. The remaining proposals will be brought to the Agricultural Council on February 26, the day when all 27 European Union ministers will gather in Brussels to discuss cutting bureaucracy in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Meanwhile, the government aims to accelerate reforms. Planas has convened the autonomous communities this Monday to gather suggestions before the Brussels encounter.” (Source: European press briefing)
