Delay in Payment of PAC Aid Worries the Rice Sector
Valencian rice farmers have raised their voices to express their discontent over the delay in the payment of aid from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) corresponding to the 2023 financial year. The situation has led producers to organize a sit-in in front of the Department of Agriculture, demanding a prompt solution.
Statements from Sector Representatives
Miguel Minguet, representative of AVA-Asaja, has stated that the delay in the payment of PAC aid is unacceptable, since farmers have incurred expenses and fulfilled their commitments in the previous year. The delay in payment is putting producers in an unsustainable situation, who need these subsidies to meet the expenses of the new campaign.
Need for Agility and Efficiency
Minguet has criticized the excessive bureaucracy that slows down the payment process, preventing the administration from fulfilling its commitments. Farmers demand that the Department of Agriculture adopt measures to streamline procedures and guarantee that aid reaches producers in a timely manner.
Undercapitalized and Worried Producers
The rice sector has warned about the serious financial situation of many producers, who are decapitalized due to high production costs and unfair competition from imports. CAP aid is essential so that farmers can face these challenges and continue their activity.
Legislative Change Request
In addition to demanding agility in the payment of PAC aid, the rice growers have urged the Department of Agriculture to work in Brussels to achieve a legislative change that prevents the sale of Asian rice as if it were Valencian. This deceptive practice harms the Valencian rice sector and makes fair competition difficult.
Other Protests and Actions
The sit-in in front of the Department of Agriculture joins other protests organized by rice growers this week, such as those held in front of supermarkets, the Palau de la Generalitat and the Government Delegation. These actions aim to make the situation of the sector visible and demand solutions from the authorities.
