Farmers' protests
 

We've been in the Aragon province this week and three times have been held up because of farmers driving their tractors in a long line at about 10kph.
Nevertheless they are right in my opinion.
They are screwed by the big agro-businesses (including supermarkets) who set the price for farmers' produce, not the other way round.
And they are screwed by Brussels' red tape, and increasing bureaucracy, resulting in spending more time in the office than in the fields.

All that supermarkets are in business for is to offer the cheapest prices to their customers and pay their shareholders. If some farmers go out of business, tough, the big boys just import from non-EU countries, whose standards leave a lot to be desired.
That includes Ukraine.
Surely, there is no such thing as "cheap food" at any cost.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...953fe98f19.jpg
Just outside Daroca
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...4ce60481ae.jpg
Near Pamplona

Re: Farmers' protests
 

Whatever the rights or wrongs it will achieve nothing.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

The EU has rescinded or rolled back several rules already. E.g. not having to halve pesticides.

It is a long time to try and kick the can down the road until after the EU elections this summer.

They are noble policies but not at all well thought out. Bit like electric cars.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

At least here in Spain; unlike in France the police beat and arrest the law breakers

Re: Farmers' protests
 

Ain't that the truth, in France the Gendarmes are as likely the actively support the farmers and do nothing when they set fire to old tractor tyres on the road then leave local councils to clear up the mess.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

Maybe yes, maybe no.
One thing is for sure though, if they didn't protest it's guaranteed nothing would be achieved.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

that is wrong. there are never no protests in the US of A and things get done...

Though there are groups that lobby their respective representatives to get measures passed. Without the inconvenience, destruction and costs to the ordinary taxpayer...

I guess $$$ talks there but here it is only violence and vandalism.

Which is better?

Re: Farmers' protests
 

I disagree, I believe here it's frustration. Much as is happening in Texas, you've heard of this I assume.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

That will be fixed in November... Now it is an open border...Probably a ploy to get more votes...

Re: Farmers' protests
 

Too true.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

Lemons 10 cents a kilo

plastic bag 15 cents

Re: Farmers' protests
 

:ohmy: They're AU1.80 per lemon here. Luckily, Mum's neighbour has a lemon tree.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

The 10 cents a kilo is what the growers are being offered by the supermarkets, not the retail price.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

Oh, right. Any idea what they retail for Lynn? The $1.80 each I mentioned was an offer/special price.

Re: Farmers' protests
 

Just an example (Carrefour is not the cheapest supermarket, and they would doubtless be cheaper in small greengrocers' shops and open air markets) they can be bought for €1.85 per kilo or €2.49 for 1.5 kg.

Carrefour: Ofertas en Electrodomésticos, Moda, Alimentación, Informática..

I don't know whether they would be Spanish grown, though, one grievance the farmers have is that the prices they are being offered are being driven down by cheap imports from countries outside the EU.