A year of mobilizations: a retrospective look
One year ago, Catalonia witnessed one of the most significant mobilizations in the agricultural sector, where thousands of farmers made their voices heard through tractors blocking the roads. With the slogan ‘Our end, your hunger’, this revolt not only captivated the attention of the public, but also set a turning point in the claim of farmers’ rights.
Odded conditions: a sector in crisis
The scenario that triggered this revolt was one of the most disadvantaged in decades, with droughts that have left the reservoirs at alarming levels. The regulation of water by the government severely affected agricultural production, resulting in disastrous harvests, from the fruit of Lleida to cereal and vineyard throughout Catalonia.
A step forward: the creation of the peasantry guild
Not only was the peasant revolt a time of protest, but also gave rise to a new organization, the Guild of the Pagesia of Catalonia. A year later, this entity already has almost 1,500 affiliates, consolidating itself as a representative voice of the sector.
International context: inspirations and resonance
The Catalan mobilizations did not occur in isolation. In France, farmers also starred in creative actions to make their complaints visible, from burying supermarkets with manure to chaos in cities with herds of sheep. These actions served to inspire and strengthen solidarity between the agricultural sectors of Europe.
A stagnant situation: the current reality
On the anniversary of those mobilizations, several representatives of the sector have shared their frustration. Arnau Freixa, spokesman for the Pagesa Revolta Platform, emphasizes that, despite some small advances in the markets, bureaucracy and unfair prices remain an everyday reality. “The problems we had a year ago are still present,” says Freixa.
Government promises and their implementation
Promises of financial aid have not yet fully materialized, and many farmers feel that bureaucracy has only become heavier. Freixa emphasizes that they do not settle for temporary aid, but are looking for sustainable solutions that allow decent work.
Local Challenges: The reality of Anoia
In the region of Anoia, Joan Vidal, spokesman for the Farmers Union, shares a similar vision. Bureaucracy is still an obstacle, and the recent reclassification of the region has further complicated the situation. “We find a new system that does not facilitate things,” says Vidal.
The conflict with wildlife: a persistent problem
Anoia farmers also fight the overpopulation of wildlife such as wild boars and roe deer, which cause significant damage to crops. The demand for more effective management of wildlife has become one of the priorities in the sector.
The Paper del Government: a gradual respon
Cecilia Hill, head of communication of the Department of Agriculture, recognizes the complexity of the current situation and the need to work together with the sector. “We cannot expect to solve years of problems in a short time,” he says, emphasizing that the Government has begun to address critical issues such as administrative simplification and support for local production.
Looking to the future: a way to go
Despite the challenges that still persist, the mobilization of the agricultural sector has created a time of opportunity for change. Farmers are determined to continue struggling to improve their working conditions and to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture in Catalonia.