Asaja cost protest meeting

More than a thousand Murcian farmers are expected to take part in a major demonstration in the Spanish capital Madrid tomorrow in protest against what has been described as “astronomical increases” in production costs.

Demonstration organisers Asaja (the Association of Young Farmers) said the protest had been called to fight for “the survival of the countryside” and would also include producers from all Spain’s regions.

The agricultural organisation is calling on the Madrid government to take measures to financially compensate farmers and growers for the rise in petrol prices and other costs, such as for fertilisers and electricity.

Alfonso Gálvez Caravaca, secretary general of Asaja Murcia, said the increase in costs had provoked a “serious crisis” in Murcia’s agricultural sector.

“Petrol, fertiliser and electricity costs have done nothing else but increase, while with every passing day producers are receiving lower returns for their products,” he added.