Protests at Puerta del Sol
This Wednesday, a group of farmers and ranchers from the Community of Madrid gathered at the iconic Puerta del Sol to express their discontent with the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur. The current situation in the agricultural sector has led these professionals to demand urgent changes, as they believe their rights are being violated by policies that favour external interests.
Francisco José García, president of Asaja Madrid, was one of the most prominent spokespersons during the protest. In his speech, he emphasised that despite the numerous recent demonstrations, "the countryside continues without solutions." García identified three key issues: the agreement with Mercosur, cuts in the funds of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the lack of generational renewal. "People want to be in the countryside, not in an office filling out forms," he stressed.
"The countryside is not dying; they are killing it," stated 'Cipri' Guillé, an affected farmer.
The farmers expressed their concern about how this agreement could affect food quality and safety in Europe. According to García, "we are a bargaining chip" and warned of the negative consequences it could have for society as a whole if unfair competition from products from countries with lax environmental regulations is allowed.
'Cipri' Guillé shared his personal experience as a farmer in Arganda del Rey. Spending approximately an hour daily on bureaucratic procedures, he lamented that this prevents him from fully focusing on his agricultural production. He also warned about the constant rise in operating costs due to cuts in aids such as those offered by the CAP.
Jesús Anchuelo, secretary general of UPA Madrid, also emphasised the imminent risk facing the Madrid agricultural sector. He denounced plans to develop 36 solar parks that threaten to eliminate vast areas of arable land. "Madrid is also countryside; we cultivate and produce," Anchuelo stated while urging the protection of these vital lands.
Ivanna Martínez (AGIM-COAG) highlighted: "More is protected for the rabbit and the wild boar than for young people interested in dedicating themselves to agriculture."
As many farmers approach retirement without a successor willing to continue their farms, Ivanna Martínez warned of an imminent crisis related to generational renewal. The lack of support and incentives to attract new talent to the agricultural sector could be devastating for the agricultural future not only in Madrid but also throughout Spain.
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