The agricultural union stressed that the agreements the EU is negotiating with 34 developing countries, mainly in Asia and Africa, allow the entry of 560,000 tonnes of rice without tariffs. Rafel Verdiell, UP representative in the state Unión de Uniones, noted that this figure is almost ten times higher than that foreseen by the Mercosur treaty, which was recently paused by the European Parliament.
“"This year we have already imported 540,000 tonnes, and the price has dropped by 30%. What is even sadder is that in the case of Myanmar, which has been in a civil war for many years, the money paid for rice purchases is financing that war."
Regarding citrus fruits, another key sector in the Terres de l'Ebre, Verdiell denounced that Spanish investment groups are setting up operations in countries like Morocco to exploit cheap labor and water, subsequently bringing the product to Europe. This practice, which directly affects local producers, occurs despite the fact that most seedlings originate from Alcanar nurseries.
Raquel Serrat, UP national coordinator, welcomed the halting of the Mercosur treaty, stating it provides “a window of time” to negotiate clauses that protect state and regional productions. Serrat demanded the application of “mirror clauses” and “safeguard clauses” to prevent unfair competition and allow for compensation or the halting of imports in the event of market disturbances.
The protest also served to mark the sixth anniversary of Storm Gloria and criticize the administrative inaction regarding the regression of the Ebre Delta. Josep Antoni Vidal, head of the rice sector for UP, regretted that despite numerous studies, “in six years, nothing has really been done” to stop the sea intrusion, especially following the recent impact of Storm Harry.
