Valencia’s citrus sector has agreed to postpone planned strike action to protest over problems poor returns and cost pressures after receiving positive assurances regarding the industry’s future from the Spanish region’s government.
Fresh produce organisations La Unió, the Valencian Agricultural Association (Ava-Asaja) and the Union of Small Farmers (UPA-PV) have jointly issued a statement announcing the “temporary postponement” of the protests.
The groups said the postponement included a planned general strike by the citrus sector during the Christmas period to protest against the “collapse” of the region’s clementine and navel campaign.
The groups said the strike had been called to highlight the behaviour of Spanish and European fresh produce distributors and to raise awareness with the Spanish authorities, so that firm action could be taken to help the sector.
But, the organisations said the action had now been cancelled as a result of the “positive negotiating position” of the Valencian authorities.
The three groups said the autonomous administration had agreed to the majority of demands made by the citrus sector.
However, the associations warned that they may stage further protests if similar concessions are not granted by the Spanish national government.
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