Merchants criticize the agrarian law because it allows new establishments on rural land.

PalmThe Balearic Islands Federation of Business Owners (Afedeco) asserts that the draft agricultural law being promoted by the government could negatively impact the sector, as it opens the door to new commercial establishments under the guise of promoting direct sales. According to Afedeco's president, Joana Manresa, the draft introduces concepts that "may extend beyond the agricultural sphere and directly affect the regulation of retail trade," which could create legal uncertainty and disadvantage legally established businesses. Business owners are asking the Ministry of Agriculture for regulatory "consistency" and, therefore, for respect for current urban planning regulations "to avoid contradictions" and prevent potential situations of unfair competition under the pretext of promoting direct sales. They maintain they are not against farms selling their products, but say the wording of the law goes much further and could harm them with new establishments.

The organization warns in its statement of objections that the current wording of the draft bill could allow the creation of retail outlets or commercial spaces on rural land under the guise of "direct agricultural sales." Despite supporting the marketing of farm-grown produce, the federation insists that this avenue should not be used to establish new businesses outside the legal framework of Balearic commerce.

Another key point in the objections is the need to define the role of nurseries and garden centers, as an overly broad definition could open the door to retail establishments on rural land, contradicting the Commerce Law. Furthermore, Afedeco requests a more precise definition of "own production" to prevent imported products from receiving this designation and creating commercial opportunities unrelated to local produce. Regarding distribution and logistics, the employers' association points out that these activities are subject to commercial and competition regulations and, therefore, should not be carried out by farms or agricultural cooperatives without the appropriate regulation. Despite welcoming the support for the primary sector and the sale of local products, Afedeco insists that the new agricultural law should not conflict with traditional commerce. "Defending farmers should not come at the expense of weakening local commerce or disrupting the balance between sectors that are part of the same economic chain," concludes Afedeco spokesperson Joana Manresa.