Spanish farmers protest the agreement with Mercosur countries

Yesterday, the Spanish capital, Madrid, witnessed a large demonstration organized by farmers who came from different regions on board their agricultural tractors, in a remarkable scene that reflected the extent of the anger and anxiety experienced by the agricultural sector in the country.

These protests came in rejection of the free trade agreement concluded between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc in South America, in addition to their objection to the increasing economic pressures burdening them, from the high cost of production and energy to external competition that they see as unequal.

Spanish farmers, along with their counterparts in a number of European countries, fear that the agreement will lead to opening European markets to agricultural products coming from Mercosur countries, such as Brazil and Argentina, at lower prices, as a result of the difference in production standards, the environment, and the cost of labor. Protesters believe that this situation may threaten the sustainability of local farms and negatively affect farmers’ income, especially in light of climate challenges and the high prices of fertilizers, feed, and supply chains.

On January 9, Spain celebrated the approval of the European Union countries to move forward with a comprehensive trade agreement with the Mercosur countries. The step was considered an important achievement to enhance trade exchange and open new opportunities for European companies in South American markets. The agreement received clear support from business groups and industrial sectors that see it as an opportunity to expand exports and enhance economic growth.

But on the other hand, the agreement sparked a widespread wave of dissatisfaction among European farmers who believe that their interests were not adequately taken into account during the negotiations.