The Popular Group of the Dénia City Council presents a motion in support of the measures demanded by the agricultural and livestock sector at different points, which will be put to a vote at the next municipal plenary session in February.
The proposal arises in the context of demonstrations carried out by farmers throughout Europe, who demand a reduction in taxes on fuel, better prices for their products and a relaxation of the environmental regulations of the European Union (EU).
The agricultural sector in Europe and Spain faces difficulties supposedly derived from EU regulations, as well as unfair competition from products imported from third countries at low prices. In this sense, a stoppage of free trade agreements with countries such as MERCOSUR and greater surveillance of imports of Moroccan agricultural products is demanded to ensure compliance with EU regulations.
Likewise, a simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and a reinforcement of agricultural insurance against adverse meteorological phenomena is requested. Furthermore, the need to incorporate measures that favor generational change in the sector is raised and a modification of the Animal Welfare Law is required to guarantee the economic viability of livestock farms.
The proposed measures also include strengthening health control at the borders to prevent the entry of external pests and diseases that could affect the agricultural sector.
The motion, which consists of fifteen points, seeks the support of the Dénia City Council for these demands, as well as their referral to the agricultural, livestock and agri-food associations of the city and to the Government of Spain for consideration and eventual implementation.
The plenary session of the Dénia City Council will have the task of evaluating and voting on this proposal next Thursday, February 29.
The 15 points of the motion
1.The Dénia City Council shows its support for farmers and ranchers in the mobilizations organized by the different associations in the sector.
2. Urge the Government of Spain to demand that the European Union guarantee the free circulation of goods in the EU and demand the immediate payment of compensation for products that have suffered attacks in French territory.
3. To ensure the food security of community consumers. We demand that the Government of the Nation promote in the Commission the prohibition of importing products treated with phytosanitary products not authorized in the EU from non-EU third countries. The same has been done with imports of rice treated with the fungicide tricyclazole.
4. We demand that the Government of the Nation process before the Commission that third countries that produce citrus fruits be required to meet the same environmental requirements that they have to apply to community farmers. Establishing a Registry of plots in these countries so that they can be inspected on site by community inspectors.
5. We demand that the Government of the Nation manage in the Commission the obligation of cold treatment (cool treatment) for imports of mandarins, oranges and grapefruits from third countries that produce citrus fruits. Currently this treatment is only required for oranges imported from South Africa. In short, the “Principle of Reciprocity” should be applied to citrus fruits and other products imported from non-EU third countries.
6. Strengthen health control at borders to prevent the entry of foreign pests and diseases that are causing serious damage to the sector.
7. We demand that the Government of the Nation modify and expand the Agri-Food Chain Law to prohibit unfair practices so that farmers' prices cover production costs. Likewise, the Food Information and Control Agency (AICA) should apply economic sanctions more appropriate to the infringement submitted and expand its control resources.
8. We demand that a shock plan be drawn up to help alleviate the effects of the crazy increase in production costs that the agri-food sector is suffering and the measures are necessarily accompanied by labor legislation that recognizes the specificity, temporality and seasonality of agricultural activity. and livestock.
9. Support hunting control to monitor the excess population of those species that cause damage to agriculture and livestock, avoid traffic accidents, and contribute to the general environmental balance and the rural economy.
10. We demand that the Government of the Nation be voluntary in the application of the Animal Welfare Law, so that Spanish ranchers can freely choose their form of livestock exploitation, with traceability being necessary to indicate the type of farm management. Whether it is animal welfare or traditional, always complying with the requirements of animal health and food safety.
11. We demand that the Government of the Nation continue to invest in the modernization and improvement of irrigation, helping the Irrigation Communities to adapt and invest in efficiency in terms of the consumption of water resources and the reduction of electrical expenses by promoting the use of renewable energies. and automated systems for the sake of the sustainability and profitability of the farms, a review of ecological flows is carried out, and also that they invest in hydraulic works such as repairing reservoirs and make new small reservoirs that are capable of retaining water from rain.
12. Urge the Government of Spain to demand that the European Union make the current CAP more flexible and simple.
13. Demand that the Government of Spain increase its contribution to agricultural insurance in the same proportion as the Valencian Community does.
14. That the principle of Reciprocity be applied to agricultural products imported from third-party producing countries.
15. Send these agreements to all agricultural, livestock and agri-food associations of the city/province and to the Government of Spain.
Who is interested in this?
Agriculture and livestock are not progressive.