Hard and sacrificial work in the field
Life in the countryside is a constant challenge for farmers. From dawn to dusk, they work hard under the sun, facing extreme heat and hoping for rain, but not too much. Farmers pray that pests do not arrive that could ruin their crops, even when they use pesticides approved by Europe. Work in the field is hard and requires great dedication and physical effort.
Challenges and differences among farmers
However, not all farmers face the same challenges or have the same opportunities. Some rent farm machinery, while others own it. The difference between having more or less resources is significant. Those with more resources have the opportunity to negotiate, while those with less must make do with what they have. It is common to see how prices in supermarkets increase to maintain the income of large stores, while farmers sell their products at a loss so that intermediaries make profits. This situation generates inequalities in the agricultural sector.
The challenge of intensive agriculture and the environment
Agriculture has evolved and become an intensive agribusiness, using large amounts of fertilizers and generating negative environmental impacts. An example of this is the case of the Mar Menor, where nitrates from intensive agriculture have caused environmental problems worldwide (https://www.ejemplos.co/articulos/). It is necessary to find a balance between tourism and agriculture, preventing the latter from generating negative environmental externalities. It is important to highlight that not all farmers speak out against intermediaries and large stores, since the problem goes beyond that (https://www.spanish.cl/Grammar/Notes/Articulos_Definidos_Indefineds.htm).
Mobilizations and political perspectives
The mobilizations in the countryside have generated tensions and have been supported by different political sectors, as is the case of Vox. However, these mobilizations are not directly related to agriculture, but have other political objectives. It is important to keep in mind that European policies have also generated changes in the agricultural sector, such as the reduction of payments per hectare and the push towards a more sustainable approach
Conclusions
Life in the countryside is a constant challenge for farmers, who face difficulties and inequalities in the sector. It is necessary to find a balance between intensive agriculture and environmental protection. Furthermore, it is important to understand that mobilizations in the countryside are not exclusively related to agriculture, but also have broader political objectives. The field is a place of sacrificial work, but it is also a space of opportunities and challenges that farmers face daily.
