Just over a hundred farmers gathered this Thursday at midday at the Mercadal fairgrounds to reject the cuts the European Union wants to apply to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), to say enough is enough to "empty promises" and excessive bureaucracy from the administrations, and above all, to demand recognition of their unique island needs. The manifesto, read by the presidents of Agrame, Luis Nadal; Fagme, Catalina Pons; and Unió de Pagesos, Margalida Llambias, calls for "justice" in the form of fair prices that provide greater profitability for farms, decisive support for local production and the Menorcan agri-food industry, and agricultural policies that guarantee generational renewal and a future for the sector. "Without farmers there is no countryside, and without countryside there is no Menorca," they chanted in unison, to the applause of the attendees and the dozen or so tractors that had traveled to the center of the island. Unlike previous protests and tractor demonstrations that years ago brought the main road to a standstill, this time the agricultural organizations and cooperatives of Menorca opted for a "responsible" demonstration, without blocking the island's activity, but making their voices heard. "Responsible" protest

"We are here to defend our right to live off the land, to produce quality food, and to continue caring for the territory, the landscape, and food sovereignty," they announced. But they also complained about the "critical situation" they face, where "the lack of profitability of farms, the constant increase in production costs, bureaucratic and regulatory pressure, and unfair competition from international trade agreements are suffocating the countryside."

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Almost two years ago, farmers and ranchers in the Balearic Islands, like those in the rest of Europe, took to the streets with their tractors to demand a comprehensive European, national, and regional plan to end unfair competition, reduce bureaucracy, and support the agricultural sector. Given the lack of change, on January 29th, Balearic farmers will once again take to the streets with their tractors to denounce the critical situation facing the countryside and demand urgent action from the authorities.

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The Unió de Pagesos de Mallorca (Mallorca Farmers' Union) has launched a campaign this week targeting all the island's municipalities to defend the primary sector at a critical time. The organization has submitted a motion urging local councils to take a stand against the effects of... the trade agreement with Mercosurto demand compensation for the new CAP and to simplify access to aid for professional farmers.

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The Association of Organic Agricultural Production of Mallorca (Apaema) reaffirmed its opposition to the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur signed this Friday and warned of the "clear unfair competition" it will generate.

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