Castilla y León: PAC Defense for Farmers and Livestock
- Brussels, Belgium - In a powerful display of solidarity with its agricultural community, the region of Castilla y León is urging the Spanish government to champion a robust...
- gonzález Corral emphasized the region's unwavering commitment to a "solid PAC," echoing the sentiments of an institutional declaration signed with agricultural organizations and cooperatives.
- At the heart of their demands is a PAC with a "strong budget" that maintains its two pillars and prioritizes generational renewal by supporting professional farmers and ranchers.González...
Castilla y León stands Firm for Farmers, Demands Stronger Support from Government
Brussels, Belgium - In a powerful display of solidarity with its agricultural community, the region of Castilla y León is urging the Spanish government to champion a robust Common Agricultural Policy (PAC) that truly serves the needs of its farmers and ranchers. María González Corral, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Progress, made the impassioned plea during the Agricultural Policy Advisory Council held at the Ministry’s headquarters.
gonzález Corral emphasized the region’s unwavering commitment to a “solid PAC,” echoing the sentiments of an institutional declaration signed with agricultural organizations and cooperatives. This declaration, already shared with minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, and European Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, outlines the critical elements needed for a thriving agricultural sector in Castilla y León.
At the heart of their demands is a PAC with a “strong budget” that maintains its two pillars and prioritizes generational renewal by supporting professional farmers and ranchers.González Corral expressed concerns about proposed changes to the PAC, including budget cuts, the establishment of a single fund that could diminish the PAC’s autonomy, and policies that disproportionately affect larger farms.
“We need the European council, where the member states vote, to also support the characteristics of the PAC of Castilla y León and the rest of the autonomous communities,” González Corral stated, signaling the region’s determination to fight for its farmers on the European stage. The Board plans to leverage its current representation in Brussels to advocate for its vision of a supportive and effective PAC.
next Monday, González Corral will travel to Brussels for a meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture, accompanied by representatives from agricultural organizations.They will engage with officials from the European commission and the European Parliament to champion their institutional declaration and ensure the voices of Castilla y León’s farmers are heard.
Beyond the PAC, González Corral also pressed the central government for clarity on aid distribution to farmers and ranchers impacted by recent fires. Highlighting the region’s proactive response,she noted that the Board has already disbursed subsidies of 5,500 euros to over 530 farmers and livestock owners,with further support planned. Additionally, the region has distributed nearly 6 million kilograms of food aid. González Corral seeks assurance that the central government is providing adequate and timely assistance to those affected.
Castilla y León’s firm stance underscores the vital role agriculture plays in the region’s economy and identity.By demanding a strong PAC and advocating for effective disaster relief, the region is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to supporting its farmers and ensuring a sustainable future for its agricultural sector.