Farmers' Union warns of invasive species and bureaucracy in Baix Empordà

Coordinator Raquel Serrat denounces the halt in coypu captures and the impact of rising fuel costs.

Generic image of a flooded field with a coypu, representing agricultural damage.
IA

Generic image of a flooded field with a coypu, representing agricultural damage.

The national coordinator of Unió de Pagesos, Raquel Serrat, has raised concerns about the agricultural crisis in Baix Empordà caused by invasive species and administrative delays.

Speaking to Ràdio Capital, Serrat highlighted the threat posed by the coypu, an invasive rodent affecting rice crops. Despite over 3,200 captures in 2025, control efforts have been stalled since January due to the non-renewal of specialized brigades.

"The administration is tripping over its own bureaucracy."

Raquel Serrat · National coordinator of Unió de Pagesos
The union also criticized the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, arguing it creates unfair competition by allowing imports that do not meet the strict environmental and safety standards required of European farmers.