Farmers affected by wildfire urge government to reduce bureaucracy

Several farmers and representatives of the agricultural sector affected by the wildfire in Torrefeta i Florejacs, in western Catalonia, are urging the Catalan government to reduce bureaucracy and improve territory management.

Farmers raised their voices after the first sixth-generation wildfire recorded in Catalonia affected around 6,000 hectares and left two people dead. Coinciding with the aftermath, Catalan agricultural minister Òscar Ordeig visited some affected fields.

The sector says that the government should modify the legislation in terms of controlled fires and pastures, which believe are key to avoid wildfires.

Joan Graells, farmer of Guarda-si-venes, in the Segarra county, in western Catalonia, said that "farmers are fed up of asking for permits to be able to take care of our farms and for these requests to be rejected." He calls to "remove useless bureaucracy, even if it is only to fix a farm or to be able to trim some herbs, which have helped expand the fire."

He defends "having more clean and organized fields to avoid wildfires."

Ordeig defended that there is still "room for improvement," especially in land management and "substantial changes.

He urged "everyone to help mobilize the required financial aid and any judicial requirements." The minister also said they will "do everything legally in their hands" to help the sector, as farmers must move forward.

Catalonia and wildfires

Catalonia is one of the European regions most vulnerable to wildfires. Its hot, dry summers, combined with strong winds, vast forested areas, and rugged terrain, create the perfect conditions for forest fires. 

Over the past decade, Catalonia has experienced an average of 500 wildfires per year, with around 1,800 hectares burned annually. 

Listen to the podcast below to learn more about Catalonia's wildfire strategy.