Spanish Farmers Take to the Streets Again: A Year of Unfulfilled Promises

In the wake of historic protests that shook Spain a year ago, farmers and ranchers are once again mobilizing, expressing their deep frustration and disappointment with the lack of meaningful change in their sector.

The Birth of a Movement

In February 2024, thousands of farmers and ranchers initiated a series of unprecedented mobilizations, including roadblocks and a slow march to Barcelona, which culminated in 2,000 tractors converging on the city center. This movement, sparked spontaneously through WhatsApp by farmers like Toni Martínez from Lleida, was part of a broader European protest against EU agricultural policies. The protests gave rise to "Revolta Pagesa" and subsequently the "Gremi de la Pagesia Catalana," a new entity aiming to represent the agricultural sector, challenging the long-standing dominance of "Unió Pagesos."

Unfulfilled Expectations

A year after these massive protests, the promoters of the initial demonstrations are warning that the situation for farmers has not improved and, in many cases, has worsened. Toni Martínez, who initiated the WhatsApp call to action, admits that despite the massive response and subsequent meetings with the government, the sector continues to suffer from significant issues such as bureaucracy, low prices, and new threats like the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.

Persistent Problems

Farmers are still grappling with excessive bureaucracy, which consumes a significant portion of their time and resources. Eduard Escolà, a representative of the Gremi de la Pagesia in Tarragona, highlights that while some progress has been made, it is insufficient. The promised implementation of a single window for administrative procedures, announced by the government of Pere Aragonès between March and April 2024, has yet to materialize.

New Threats and Old Challenges

In addition to bureaucratic hurdles, farmers are facing new challenges such as the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which they fear will flood the market with products from South America that do not meet the same sanitary and traceability standards as European products. Agustí Garcia from the Cooperativa Agrícola del Prat de Llobregat notes that products from countries like Egypt and Morocco are being sold without proper controls, further threatening local farmers.

Theft and damage from wildlife, particularly in rural areas, and the ongoing effects of drought are also significant concerns. Jordi Ginabreda from the Girona region emphasizes that the drought situation remains "dramatic," especially in areas dependent on the Darnius-Boadella reservoir.

Calls for Action

As the situation remains dire, farmers are preparing for new mobilizations. Symbolic actions, such as turning road signs upside down, have already begun, signaling the sector's discontent. Jaume Prat, coordinator for Central Catalonia, indicates that while some progress has been made, it is not enough, and there is a growing sentiment among farmers to take to the streets again.

Consumer Support and Sustainability

Despite a perceived increase in societal support for local agriculture, farmers lament that consumers are not fully committing to buying local and quality products, even if they are slightly more expensive. Agustí Garcia notes that many consumers talk about the importance of "kilometer zero" and local produce but often purchase from large supermarkets without considering the origin of the products.

The Future of Agriculture

The Gremi de la Pagesia Catalana is adamant about the need for immediate results and tangible improvements. Joan Regolf, the president of the Gremi, stresses that farmers cannot be used as pawns in trade agreements and that their sector needs guarantees to ensure sustainability. The call for greater security in rural areas, support against theft and wildlife damage, and the implementation of necessary infrastructure to combat drought are all critical issues that need urgent attention.

As the agricultural sector in Spain continues to face numerous challenges, the resolve of its farmers and ranchers to fight for their rights and the future of their livelihoods remains unwavering. The coming months will likely see renewed mobilizations and a continued push for meaningful change.