Planas underlines the decisive contribution of farmers and ranchers to maintain the rural environment

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, has closed on Thursday the presentation of the Yearbook 2018 of the Union of Small Farmers and Cattle Ranchers (UPA). In his speech, Planas stressed that family farming is not only the production of food necessary for citizens but also the ability to maintain the territory and natural values. “The farmer and rancher is the first environmentalist in history.”

In this sense, the minister considers that the objective of avoiding the progressive depopulation of many areas of Spain is “absolutely fundamental”. As he explained, it is a depopulation that is occurring in an unequal way from a generational point of view. In fact, currently only 6% of farmers are less than 35 years old (European and also Spanish average). And in the same way, there are more and more men and fewer women.

Planas congratulated UPA for the work carried out in the preparation of the 25th edition of its yearbook, “a magnificent text” that has important collaborations, on a theme “so dear and important to our agriculture and livestock such as family model of agricultural holdings “.

Reform of the CAP

Planas has been convinced that “it is worth making the effort” to change things in the field, from Spain and from the European Union (EU). For this, the minister has mentioned the value of the Common Agricultural Policy, in whose negotiations for its reform feels “very supported” by agricultural professional organizations, cooperatives and autonomous communities supporting the position of Spain, “because that’s how they listen to us” .

As he assured, the future CAP must face the new challenges with adequate financing. In the case of generational change, in addition to having economic resources, young farmers should be listened to and offered advice. “We are designing agriculture, livestock, the food industry and the rural environment for the next ten years, and Spain, which is a pioneer in the agri-food sector, can do many things in favor of young people and women in rural areas.”

In relation to digitalization and innovation in rural areas, Planas has advanced that before the end of the year the Ministry expects to present a digital agenda for agriculture, the rural sector and the agri-food sector “that responds to this need for modernization”.

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