The concentrations spread across the Catalan road network, affecting sections of the N-260 in the High Pyrenees (Sort and Pont de Suert), the C-16 in Berguedà (between Olvan and Berga), and the C-38 at Coll d'Ares. Significant blockades also occurred on the AP-7 in Borrassà and the N-II in Pontós, where over a hundred tractors gathered.
The main reason for the mobilization is the primary sector's outright rejection of the Mercosur agreement, scheduled for ratification next week. Farmers fear that the massive influx of South American products, produced at much lower costs, will severely damage the already fragile state of European agriculture.
“"If going to Madrid is not enough, we will have to go to Brussels or wherever necessary."
Protesters argue that while the EU demands extremely high standards and exhaustive controls from local producers, imported products from South America will likely not meet these requirements, creating a situation of unfair competition. The Guild has demanded an immediate meeting with Minister Òscar Ordeig to urge him to intercede with the Spanish Government to oppose the pact.
“"We are selling off food sovereignty at a European level, and with this agreement, we are throwing ourselves off a cliff."
