Olive growers, oil producers and other agriculturalists in Spain are set to renew protests throughout the second half of July, according to a joint statement released by four of the country’s most prominent agricultural organizations.
“We have resumed the mobilization of protests, and they will restart where they all began, here in the province of Jaén,” Juan Luis Ávila, the general secretary of the Coordinator of Agriculture and Livestock Organizations (COAG) of Jaén, said at a press conference.
The Association of Young Farmers (Asaja), the COAG, the Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers (UPA) and the Agrifood Cooperatives of Jaén all said they would consult with local authorities to make sure proper safety and sanitary protocols are followed throughout the protests to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
While the number of active cases in the country has dropped by more than 40 percent since the peak of the pandemic a few months ago, authorities remain wary of a second spike in infections.
Members of the olive oil sector will be joining the protests to demand mandatory self-regulation measures for the 2020 harvest, the quick adoption of changes to the country’s so-called Food Chain Law and the removal of agricultural goods from the list of American tariffs on European Union imports.
Producers argue that self-regulation will work more effectively than the European Union’s own private storage programs, allowing cooperatives and companies to remove olive oil from the market to balance its supply with the prevailing demand.
Members of the sector are also urging Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to quickly ratify and implement proposed changes to the Food Chain Law, which would crack down on uncompetitive behaviors from retailers and work to ensure that producers are being paid fairly for their olive oils.
Growers and producers are also working to increase the pressure on Brussels to negotiate with the United States to have table olives and olive oil removed from the list of American tariffs. The two products were targeted by the U.S. after the World Trade Organization ruled that the E.U. had illegally subsidized aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
“These measures that our organizations and cooperatives require must be quickly put in place because they are three very fundamental pillars of our business that we understand can serve to reverse our current situation,” Ávila concluded.
More articles on: COAG, Diputación de Jaén, prices
Sep. 5, 2024
Spanish Producers, Policy Makers Explore Strategies for Success in Chinese Market
From an emphasis on quality and terroir to smaller packaging formats, Spanish olive oil sector stakeholders identified several strategies to increase olive oil consumption in China.
Feb. 13, 2024
The Role of Gulls in Spreading Olive Seeds Across Balearic Islands
Gulls contributed to the long-distance spread of local olive seeds, facilitating the colonization and expansion of the variety
Mar. 7, 2024
Spanish Campaigners Lobby for Glyphosate Ban After EU Fails to Reach Consensus
The world’s most used herbicide was found in concentrations exceeding the legal limit in Mar Menor, spurring advocates to call for a ban in Spain.
Jun. 26, 2024
Rising Olive Oil Imports Contribute to Spain’s Trade Deficit with Argentina
While Spain’s agricultural trade deficit fell by 33 percent between 2022 and 2023, olive oil imports increased by nearly 230 percent due to a poor harvest and rising prices.
Oct. 18, 2024
Officials in Spain Optimistic Ahead of Harvest as Prices Remain Elevated
Spain is expected to produce between 1.4 and 1.5 million tons of olive oil in the 2024/25 crop year after a wet winter and mild spring favored a bumper crop.
Feb. 29, 2024
Turkey's Production Plummets After Last Year's Record Harvest
Adverse weather, a poor fruit set and an ‘off-year’ have led to a meager yield.
Apr. 11, 2024
Turkish Producers Pray Export Ban Ends with Ramadan
While the prohibition on bulk exports has helped control domestic prices, producers worry it has hurt their credibility with international partners.
Nov. 27, 2023
High Olive Oil Prices in Spain Spur Interest in Black Friday Discounts
While prices at origin have dipped slightly, they remain elevated in stores, prompting concern among retailers over theft and consumers over fraud.