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Asaga and COAG-Canarias criticize the “excesses” of supermarkets and the “unjust competition” from third countries
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Feb. 15 (EUROPA PRESS) –
Asaga Canarias and Coag-Canarias agricultural organizations expressed their frustration on Thursday in a joint appearance before the Agriculture Commission of Parliament due to the “struggle” with bureaucracy, a significant increase in production costs, a decline in income, and the impact of the 2030 Agenda on the primary sector.
“We are on the brink of giving up because we cannot withstand any more pressure,” stated Ángela Delgado, the president of Asaga, indicating that the unrest has been ongoing since 2020 due to the dismal situation, which has further exacerbated now.
She emphasized their inability to cover expenses, leading to the absence of guaranteed generational replacement as the youth do not perceive a profitable future in farming. Furthermore, the veterans are being “pushed out” by the overwhelming bureaucracy. “Is it of any use?” she questioned.
Delgado highlighted that excessive bureaucracy has led to the proliferation of illegal constructions in the countryside due to the ineffectiveness of laws or their circumvention.
She also criticised the “unfair competition” from third countries, with the EU’s environmental protection measures leading to the criminalization of farmers and ranchers. “We are being branded as criminals,” she added.
Consequently, she rejected the ‘radicalization’ of the 2030 Agenda and the government’s rush to adopt eco-friendly policies, contributing to the current “disaster” in the countryside.
She questioned whether society can afford to lose the primary sector, as the collapse of food production would impact technology. “A smart country, a smart EU is the one that supports the primary sector, the foundation of everything else,” she stressed.
Delgado viewed their appearance as a “cry for help” for Parliament to join the ongoing protests in the archipelago, without associating with any political affiliations. She urged the deputies, as well as the farmers and ranchers, to prioritize their agricultural identity over political biases.
Illustrating the dire situation, she highlighted the sinking banana sector, generating prices that do not cover costs, approximately 0.30 cents per kilo, despite being a crucial component of the Canary Islands’ economy.
PRIMACY FOR HYDRAULIC INFRASTRUCTURES
She also advocated for prioritizing the development of hydraulic infrastructure to counteract climate change and instil a “cultural change” in water preservation, expressing confidence in the success of the ‘drought table’.
Nevertheless, she expressed pessimism about the future, unsure of how to rectify the loss of productivity and market positioning.
“If production ceases in the Canary Islands, we will be at the mercy of external pricing as a small, insignificant entity, considered a dumping ground for unwanted food products from other parts of the world,” she indicated.
The president of COAG-Canarias, Rafael Hernández, emphasised that “venting frustration is necessary, but futile without strategic measures to improve profitability in the sector.”
He criticised the primary sector being exploited as a bargaining tool for other trade agreements, particularly with Morocco, where EU-harming phytosanitary products are utilised, and their tomatoes are subsequently sold.
He argued against the rise in wages amidst a context of escalating production costs, stressing the challenge of maintaining competitive pricing, especially considering the vast disparity in daily costs per farmer between the EU and Morocco. “We cannot compete against destitution,” he remarked.
Hernández endorsed the implementation of a ‘drought table’ to enhance water accessibility, combat depletions, and eliminate leakages in municipal networks.
THE MARITIME LINE WITH TARFAYA “IS A BAD IDEA”
He also acknowledged the complexity of the digital field notebook for farmers, the necessity of supporting generational change, and the expressed contention over the maritime connection between Tarfaya and Morocco. “We vehemently oppose it,” he reiterated.
González also lamented the loss of identity from diminishing local production and underscored the substantial disparity between farmers’ income and supermarket chains’ profits, with a distribution of 0.30 cents per euro. “We demand equitable income distribution; it is essential,” he stated.
He also highlighted the discrepancies in the food chain law, with farmers expected to make payments within a maximum of 30 days, whereas certain supermarkets extend the period to 90 days. “Abuses must be prevented, and consumers should not bear the burden,” he stressed.
The COAG president requested an update to the aids, which remain at 2014 levels, and emphasised the high health standards of products produced in the islands. “The savings in supermarkets are outweighed by expenses on medications from abroad,” he argued.
The agricultural organizations are preparing two extensive demonstrations in the Canary Islands following the culmination of the carnival season, inviting all parliamentary groups to participate. Specifically, the protests are scheduled in Gran Canaria next Wednesday and on Saturday, February 24 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
