Due to ongoing challenges in the countryside, agricultural organizations are navigating a tense period with multiple fronts. The sector has spent years facing drought, inflation, rising production costs, and now the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which farmers and ranchers view as unfavourable.
To demonstrate unity and strength, two of the country’s leading agricultural associations, Asaja and COAG, convened national meetings this Monday in the capital, Córdoba. The choice of location is strategic: an informal meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers is taking place in the city. In a show of opposition, representatives from Asaja and COAG from across the country are expected to gather in front of European ministers near the Mosque-Cathedral in Puerta del Puente on Tuesday, to voice their concerns about the New CAP that prioritizes environmental goals over direct production incentives.
COAG Assembly
The Farmers and Farmers’ Organizations Coordinator (COAG) held its first business session in the morning. Government officials, including Miguel Padilla and Andalusia’s Miguel López, joined Carmen Quintero, COAG Córdoba state secretary, and other members of the leadership to discuss how current European policies affect rural areas. COAG portrays the policy as a path that impacts not only the agricultural sector but also the global food system, emphasizing the need to protect a robust, sustainable farming model across Europe.
COAG argues that current agricultural policy largely supports an “uncontrolled market” that benefits large corporations and speculative activities. They claim it erodes the production system, jeopardizes the social and professional fabric of farming communities, and poses risks to Europe’s food security and sovereignty.
Carmen Quintero explained that farmers and ranchers feel “threatened and ignored.” The message to EU Agriculture Ministers is clear: the social and professional farming model must be respected and safeguarded.
“Highlight”
Miguel López, COAG regional head, noted that this moment is pivotal for defining the agricultural model. The question is what kind of future should be supported: a social and professional farming sector that drives the economy and provides employment, stabilizes local populations, and manages the region, or an open market aligned with a neoliberal view that prioritizes liberalization over local viability?
Padilla presented data showing 6.6% of the agricultural sector produces 45% of all food. He noted that about half of livestock farms have disappeared in recent years, even as the total cattle count rose by 6.6%. He also warned about investment funds, stating that since 2007 there have been four mutual funds in Spain, with the number rising to 300 on some of the best soils in the countryside.
Asaja Meeting
Asaja conducted its national assembly at the Episcopal Palace, without a formal agenda, led by Asaja Córdoba, Ignacio Fernández de Mesa, and Spanish President Pedro Barato. Despite travel difficulties, around 150 participants from across the nation attended.
The assembly addressed vulnerabilities facing the agricultural sector, describing it as under threat from EU policies, intensified competition from third countries, rising production costs, drought, and unprofitable farms.
The group stressed the importance of preserving the productive fabric so that all farmers and ranchers can provide healthy, safe food at reasonable prices for communities.
Asaja plans to participate in a concentration in Córdoba on Tuesday, September 5, ahead of EU Ministers of Agriculture, under the banner “Farmers and ranchers are fed up with constant attacks on the sector.” Hundreds of farmers are expected to attend, with Asaja and COAG collectively representing nearly 300 delegates from across Spain.
Note: The content reflects statements and positions voiced by the accompanying organizations during the referenced events, as reported by participants and organizers.
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