Asaja Demands "Decisiveness" from Agriculture Department in Defending Alicante's Primary Sector

ASAJA has demanded "decisiveness" from the consellería of Agriculture in defending Alicante's primary sector, which has been severely impacted not only by drought but also by the serious issue of low prices at origin and unfair competition from third countries.

The agricultural association is calling for actions that "ensure" the profitability of farming and monitoring agreements with third countries. This demand was made on Tuesday, September, at their central headquarters, where they welcomed conseller Miguel Barrachina and part of his team.

During this initial meeting, ASAJA President José Vicente Andreu, accompanied by Technical Secretary Ramón Espinosa, as well as the board of directors and heads of various sectoral departments, called for decisiveness in defending Alicante's primary sector.

"We need tangible actions, action plans that genuinely impact the activities of farmers and livestock breeders," Andreu stated. The agricultural entity believes that the Consell must take a leading role in devising a strategy on food security and fair trade agreements with third countries, working hand-in-hand between Brussels and producers in the Valencian Community who truly understand the sector. This determined defense should be felt by every farmer, for example, by demanding more stringent phytosanitary controls at customs.

Xylella Fastidiosa is a disease whose disastrous eradication strategy has caused severe consequences in affected regions. The failed management by Botanic based on mass felling has not only failed to halt the disease but has also left thousands of farmers without their primary economic activity and has created a desolate landscape in Alicante's Mountain region.

In this regard, ASAJA Alicante hopes for a shift after so many years of advocacy and questions whether the current team will continue with the same strategy or have the courage to explore and work on other approaches, such as containment. "This Consell has been governing for a year, and so far nothing has changed regarding Xylella, which leaves us somewhat disappointed as it seems inertia prevails over taking a step forward and making changes."

There has also been a missed opportunity to compensate for losses incurred with indemnity aid. "We call for reflection on the unjustified delay of these indemnities and the insufficient update of compensation rates."

Additionally, ASAJA Alicante is keen to know what efforts will be made to promote the Valencian Agency for Food Information and Control (Avica) and has proposed that the Conselleria conduct a production cost study with an observatory that sets minimums to prevent selling at a loss. "We need your support to increase inspections, especially in the case of citrus fruits, where significant abuses against producers occur."

Furthermore, they presented reports to the previous team on the impact of drought in Alicante on cereal crops, muscatel grapes, and proposed an emergency plan for cherries; all dryland crops severely affected with the grave threat of disappearance if appropriate measures are not taken. Therefore, they have asked Barrachina what aid will be implemented following the provided data and what timelines will be set.

Another requirement was structural improvement in aid lines for young farmers' first installations and farm modernization. "It is necessary to establish a specific periodicity, publish them each year on the same dates, and ensure that 100% of applications meeting requirements are approved." ASAJA Alicante emphasizes constant bureaucratic obstacles that increase yearly combined with lack of profitability discouraging farmers.

In terms of agricultural insurance, it is urgent to reinstate eliminated coverages (extension of guarantees for all citrus fruits and wind damage for lemons), especially during this critical time for this crop after a ruinous campaign for Vega Baja farmers. "We expect this Conselleria to stand up to the Ministry and defend our crop coverages because it is the only tool farmers have to face weather adversities."

Regarding water issues, ASAJA Alicante considers incorporating it into Agriculture and Livestock portfolios a good decision and applauds defending the Tajo-Segura transfer as an indispensable infrastructure, aligning with our association's stance. However, much remains to be done in water management; "we don't understand why most water from Torrevieja's desalination plant goes to Murcia when it should be an alternative rather than a solution to the transfer." Moreover, ASAJA believes it's time to undertake necessary hydraulic infrastructures guaranteeing agriculture in this province.

Finally, regarding authorization for burning rice straw announced recently, ASAJA Alicante informs Conselleria that there is also a rice-growing area in Marjal Pego-Oliva within this province; thus demands considering Alicante's rice growers in any debates or potential decisions concerning this crop.