Farmers warn protests 'have not finished' despite deal with government

The Catalan Farmers' Guild demonstrated on Monday morning and warned that the protests "have not finished," as workers "are here to show their strength," despite the deal reached with the government on Sunday night.

Around 100 tractors from the western counties of Anoia, Conca de Barberà, Segarra, and Urgell have gathered in La Panadella to attend one of the meetings to explain the deal reached between the Catalan Farmers' Guild, previously known as Revolta Pagesa, and the executive on Sunday.

Lack of trust 

Farmers said on Monday morning that many feel "doubtful" even though they are "halfway satisfied."

"We do not end up trusting politicians. We are here to show our strength and that the demonstrations have not finished," Joan Vidal, a farmer from Sant Martí de Tous, said.

"We have been demanding this for a year, and they only close the deal after having been backed into a corner," added Xavier Figuerola, a farver from Nalec. "We need for the measures to be implemented now," he added.

Follow-up meeting in two weeks 

Workers and the government will meet in two weeks to supervise the agreement's compliance. "We hope that these measures will result in a real improvement," said Eduard Escolà, the guild's spokesperson.

If not, the farmers have promised to take to the streets once again.

Traffic disruptions

The Catalan agriculture minister, Òscar Ordeig, and guild representatives reached a deal to avoid traffic disruptions. The image of them signing the document took place at around 9:30 pm on Sunday, after having been negotiating all evening.

Despite calling off roadblocks across many highways across Catalonia, farmers will still hold some gatherings.

Farmers had organized the demonstration to commemorate the first anniversary of last February's roadblocks. Despite last year's events made headlines and affected thousands of drivers in Catalonia, farmers say that the "situation has not improved" during the last year and that "nothing has changed."

The agreement tackles 19 measures, such as increasing resources for hunting, especially rabbits, as well as reducing bureaucracy and improving taxes for professional farmers, such as lowering fuel and inheritance taxes.

Both parties also reached a deal on new plans regarding the drought emergency protocols, aid in case of any meteorological event, and measures against robberies, or creating a joint committee to supervise that all agreements are complied with.

Ordeig ensured that the agreement signed in the central municipality of Cervera "is good for the whole of Catalonia" and "the best possible scenario in the current situation."

He added that the "government's objective is to defend farmers," and the cabinet plans to comply with the agreement.

Some farmers began demonstrating in Tarragona, Terres de l'Ebre, and Girona. Some had already organized a slow drive on Sunday night in the Alt Urgell county.

Prices times six

Basic food prices can be six times higher than the harvest and supermarket prices, according to research published by Spain's consumer Facua on Monday.

The group has analyzed prices of the 'chain of value,' including prices paid to farmers, wholesalers, and selling points.

Facua has reported that lemons are the produce that sees a higher price increase from 30 cents per kilogram to €2.05 in stores, 538% more.

Onions also increase prices by 433%, chickpeas by 300%, and apples by 243%.

The organization calls to impose a "double-sticker" showing the price the farmer received per produce when harvesting.

The study used early February prices and analyzed 'marca blanca' produce or bulk products, and discounted taxes.