Fresh wave of farmers' protests begin in Catalonia against agrarian policies
Demonstrations planned this week at Mercabarna wholesale market, French border and Tarragona port
Farmers continue to protest in Catalonia despite a deal with the Catalan government last week after 2,000 tractors brought Barcelona to a standstill.
Dozens of farmers began a slow march on the A-2 in Lleida, western Catalonia, on Monday morning. The protesting farmers intermittently blocked the AP-2 in the direction of Zaragoza, causing traffic delays.
Police cleared the farmers from the AP-2 highway at Soses, in Segrià at around 2pm on Monday afternoon.
The farmers left the road after talking to police, first letting traffic flow towards Barcelona and later also abadoning highway towards Zaragoza.
No incidents were reported amid a heavy police presence. The farmers then gathered on the side embankment of the highway, where they had lunch.
On Sunday, hundreds of farmers took to the streets to protest the government's agrarian policies. In Berga, central Catalonia, a slow march of tractors disrupted traffic on the C-16, while another protest caused delays on the C-53 in Urgell, Lleida.
Farmers' unions have also called for actions on Tuesday at Mercabarna, one of Spain's largest wholesale markets for fresh produce, located in Barcelona. Farmers are protesting against imports from third countries, which they say create unfair competition for national products.
Other demonstrations are planned for Tuesday at the port of Tarragona and the French border crossing at La Jonquera. Next week, farmers will also take part in a major demonstration in Madrid.
Farmers continue to protest despite deal
On Wednesday last week, thousands of farmers from all over Catalonia began marching with their tractors toward Barcelona, and by 3pm more than 2,000 tractors had arrived in the city, bringing it to a standstill.
Farmers are protesting against rising prices, imports from non-EU countries, violations of the law on the food chain and excessive bureaucracy.
After arriving in Barcelona, representatives of the farmers' unions met with Catalan president Pere Aragonès and other political parties.
They reached an agreement with the Socialists, Esquerra, Junts, CUP, Comuns and Ciutadans to review water restrictions, cut red tape and speed up the payment of subsidies. However, the farmers warned that they would continue to protest until the measures were implemented.