UAGA calls for the resignation of Counsellor Barredo for his statements on the issue of fodder
The agricultural organization denounces the "inaction" of the Basque Government and its "departure from the sector". For its part, the union ENHE has called for the declaration of a drought situation and "extraordinary aid" to compensate for the damage suffered.
Photo: Sabino de Bilbao Atxa.
The tension between agricultural organisations and the Basque Government over drought management and the purchase of fodder for livestock has increased in recent days. The Alavesa association UAGA has on Thursday called forthe resignationof Counsellor Amaia Barredo following her statements on Radio Euskadi accusing her of "irresponsibility, ignorance and inability to listen" and denouncing her "inaction".
The Minister for Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries of the Basque Government has stated on "Boulevard" that the Basque Government "continues to work" on the joint purchase of fodder , in response to criticism of the convening of the Fodder Bureau in September, and hopes that in September it will make available to the sector the means of purchase, since it believesthatthe largest deficit of fodder will be from October onwards.
In response to these statements, the UAGA Association has issued a note stating that the Counsellor's statement is"irresponsible" and a "real disrespect" forthe daily work of farmers. "Our animals eat every day, and these weeks are an extra cost, but, from an office in Lakua, the Counsellor does not consider it serious."
The organisation recalls that the sector 'has been suffering from this situation for weeks' and that they are starting to buy fodder on their own, since the Basque Government 'fears that once again, it will be late and bad'.
UAGA further regrets that the counsellor has stated that "in the spring the sector has received 20% more fodder" . "Where, Mrs Barredo?", they reply, adding that "we do not know what is more serious: that the counsellor has made these statements from ignorance and made a mistake or that she has made them with the intention of defaming and distorting public discourse."
That is why he has called for Barredo's resignation because of his "irresponsible statements, his ignorance of the reality of the sector, and his inability to listen. "
EHNE calls for "extra aid"
On the other hand, the EHNE farmers' associationonFriday reported its claims on the effects of the drought through a video posted on social media . Bittor Lokat has explained that the situation is "extreme" due to the drought, which, in addition to increasing costs of fodder and water, has had a "direct impact on production".
In this regard, it has asked the Basque Government for an extraordinary line of financial aid 'to compensate for the economic and productive damage they have suffered' and has also proposed numbers per head - from one euro per poultry and up to 200 euros per head. The EHNE has also called for subsidies for the plantingofpasture and the establishment of a drought situation.
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