In the Catalonia region of eastern Spain, farmers organized a road-blocking protest with their tractors to express their reaction to rising costs and agricultural policies. The protests were concentrated particularly around Barcelona, the region's largest city.
Approximately 200 tractors and more than 1,000 people participated in the protest, which was held at the call of agricultural workers' unions. Setting out from different points in Catalonia early in the morning, the farmers entered Barcelona via eight separate routes.
Farmers are demanding that discounted diesel be provided for professional use and that reforms be made to current agricultural policies. Describing the problems experienced in the sector as a "structural crisis," the protesters stated that they expect permanent solutions from the administration.
We need structural measures that will ensure we remain an indispensable and strategic sector for the country. We expect solutions from every level of the administration, and we are determined not to take a step back. It is time to say 'enough is enough'.
Spanish farmers are also seeking regulations on issues such as cost increases, unfair competition, production disruptions caused by the climate crisis, access to water, and the protection of agricultural land. Their demands include fair pricing for products, direct support to compensate for the impact of crises, and measures to alleviate production costs.
Some farmers' unions are preparing to expand the protests nationwide. The unions have called for a national demonstration in the capital, Madrid, on October 28, by traveling there with tractors.
News Source: 12punto
