Spain’s citrus sector calls for protests at low prices and unfair competition

Spanish farming bodies are organising a day of protest on December 14th to demand solutions for a crisis in the citrus sector. Unfavourable weather and market conditions have led to the sector suffering losses in the region of about €163 million. Valencia Farmers’ Association has appealed for its members to rally outside the Ministry of Agriculture to protest what it terms “the challenging price crisis that is ruining thousands of Valencian producers during the current campaign.” Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Federation of Castellón (FEPAC-ASAJA) and the Small Farmers’ Union (UPA-PV) have also called for farmers to take action.

The AVA-ASAJA is requesting the withdrawal of 250,000 tons of fresh fruit from the market and greater support for farms hit by flooding. It also urged trade agreements to be renegotiated to prevent the practice of other countries’ producers enjoying a competitive advantage.