The problem stems from a combination of liquidity shortages and administrative errors, which have prevented some rice farmers from receiving crucial funds. Without these contributions, farmers find themselves unable to cover the costs of the new season, exacerbating an already delicate economic situation.
The agricultural union Unió de Pagesos has called on the Department of Agriculture to implement exceptional measures. The main proposal is for outstanding debts to be directly deducted from approved subsidies, rather than paralyzing or completely denying them. This solution would allow farmers to maintain the necessary liquidity to continue their activity and prevent the abandonment of their fields.
“"When you don't pay, they don't pay you the resources you expect to be covered by, and it's a bit of an injustice, because it's not that we farmers didn't want to pay, they don't make it easy for us."
One case illustrating this situation is that of a farmer who, after losing 90% of his rice harvest in 2023 due to drought and water restrictions, experienced delays in paying social security contributions. Despite subsequently settling the debt, part of his CAP aid has been suspended, on the grounds that he should have submitted an appeal with the appropriate documentation.
The head of the rice sector at Unió de Pagesos emphasized that, although the administration may be acting within the law, these are a small number of cases (approximately 3% of files) that require more flexible and individualized treatment. He also noted that delays in subsidy payments by the administration are common, creating an additional burden for farmers who do meet their obligations.
