A meeting point and collective participation
Palabras Clave is a space for opinion, analysis and reflection of premium.cat Castilla-La Mancha, a meeting point and collective participation. Here, the authors share their opinions and reflections on various topics of interest.
Responsibility and claims
The opinions expressed in this space are the responsibility of their authors. Before going into detail, it is important to emphasize that I understand and support the demands of farmers and ranchers. The demonstration of force in recent days has been impressive and reflects the importance of this sector in our country.
It is essential that protests be carried out peacefully and respectfully, as they have been for the most part. However, it is unfortunate that some ultra politicians try to appropriate these demands, since they do not represent the agricultural sector in its entirety.
Farmers and ranchers: pillars of our society
The majority of farmers and ranchers are small and medium-sized entrepreneurs who defend a family farming model. These self-employed workers and rural entrepreneurs generate employment in our towns and are the first link in the agri-food chain. They and their workers deserve greater attention and support.
That is why the decisions of the Government of Spain, such as the increase in the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) and the recent Labor Reform, are important advances that benefit farm workers. The working class of the countryside is the one who carries out the sector’s accounts, with its effort and commitment. Therefore, it is the responsibility of everyone, especially the political left, to defend their interests.
Support and future prospects
The stability and future prospects of the agri-food chain depend largely on small and medium farmers. Therefore, it is urgent to redefine the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to clearly support this sector. Public aid must be directed primarily to them, allowing them to compete on equal terms with large companies and face competition from global markets.
In addition, it is necessary to accelerate the approval of the Family Agriculture Law and encourage the creation of larger cooperatives. Professionalized cooperative companies, in the hands of farmers and ranchers, are essential to guarantee the profitability of farms and promote the presence of self-employed workers in agriculture.
More than an economic issue
Although the mobilizations have obvious economic causes, it is also important to recognize the demand for greater social prominence and recognition for the agricultural sector. Society as a whole must understand the importance of defending our farmers and ranchers, both for our present and for our future.
In conclusion, it is everyone’s responsibility to support farmers and ranchers. They are the engine of our agri-food chain and deserve our support and recognition. Together, we can contribute to a prosperous future for the agricultural sector and for our country.
