Spanish farmers expected to protest before agricultural ministry

Spain’s major agricultural unions, such as UPA, Asaja, and COAG, are to organize a massive rally in front of the agriculture ministry today. These demonstrations are a continuation of farmers’ protests across the European Union.

In February, Spain joined France, Germany, Belgium, and other EU countries in a massive campaign by European farmers against the EU’s Green Deal. The deal imposes strict environmental regulations on the farming industry. Alongside cheap food imports that considerably intensify competition on the European market and influence farmers’ income, nitrogen emissions restrictions and pesticide bans increase the farming business costs. Complying with EU environmental targets has become more challenging since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequent disruption of energy supplies.

Judging by the rapid spread of protests across Europe, a further escalation of the situation in the farming sector is likely. The economic costs associated with halting of the transportation systems are about to rise. In Spain alone, these losses are estimated to reach $10.84 million daily. Politically, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski is unlikely to resign in the near future despite significant domestic pressures from the Polish government. However, a set of measures aimed at easing tensions are expected. These may come in the form of additional subsidies to facilitate the transition to more sustainable practices, reduction of diesel prices for the farming industry or relaxation of EU environmental regulations to address the concerns and expectations of European farmers.