Spain has allocated two billion euros to deal urgently with the effects of the drought

In recent weeks, Spaniards have clung to the old saying “Quando Marzo Maya, Mayo Marcia”. Understand: when the weather is in May in March, the weather in March is in May. Alas, if in March the thermometer exceeds 30 ° C, then May begins with no rain expected, except for a few light rains in the far north of the country. And this is after the driest and hottest April for any record, more than a century.

On Thursday 11 May, the (left) Spanish government finally decided to take drastic measures, during an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers, to deal with the repercussions of the drought, which particularly affects farmers, but also to protect outdoor workers from the coming heat waves. In total, between direct aid to farmers and breeders and emergency investments to overcome water shortages, more than 2.2 billion euros have been put on the table.

The right-wing opposition did not fail to see action “electors”, Twenty-four hours before the start of the municipal and regional election campaign, Friday, May 12th. However, the government is responding to an urgent request from the farmers, who are in dire conditions caused by the prolonged drought, which has been steadily worsening for the past three years.

According to the latest report of the Coordination of Spanish Farmers and Breeders’ Organizations, an organization that brings together small and medium-sized farmers, published on May 11, Drought is already suffocating 80% of Spain’s farmland. And “More than 5 million hectares of unirrigated grain” continuous “Irreversible losses”.

The precedent of olive oil

Agriculture Minister Luis Planas had already announced large tax breaks for farmers in March. This time, it released 636 million euros in direct aid, of which 360 million went to livestock breeders, “It is probably the worst affected sector, due to the lack of hay and fodder.”, pointed out. The beekeepers, who have suffered a decrease in pollination and therefore honey production, will receive 5 million euros.

Finally, depending on the regions and types of crops they grow, farmers should receive 276 million euros. The goal is Ensuring productive continuity for farmers And Avoid shortages that would fuel the new “High prices for the population”The minister stressed that many grain producers, especially corn producers, have given up planting spring sowing.

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