The farmers are maintaining all the blockades despite the Government's proposal to form a "common front" against the Spanish government and the EU

BarcelonaThe farmers blocking the AP-7 highway in Pontós, the A-27 at the entrance to the port of Tarragona, the C-16 between Casserres and Berga, and the C-38 in Coll d'Ares, where they are restricting traffic to trucks only, decided in several assemblies this Sunday afternoon to maintain the blockade and the Mercosur agreement (the trade bloc formed by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay). The farmers' and ranchers' decision came just hours after the government asked them to lift the blockades in exchange for forming a "common front" with the demands of all the sector's organizations and jointly presenting them to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and the European Commission (EU). In the case of Tarragona, farmers have decided to maintain the blockade because they consider this "common front" advocated by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, Òscar Ordeig, insufficient. Ordeig spoke from the Bàscara Town Hall, where he met with representatives of Revolta Pagesa. "We need further assurance that the Minister's words will be reaffirmed. If the President of the Generalitat were to speak out, his words would be stronger and he would support all farmers," explained Eduard Escolà, spokesperson for Revolta Pagesa, according to ACN. Ordeig, speaking from Bàscara, had explained the need for this "common front" to define which measures they would jointly advocate for—such as mirror clauses, border controls, and a compensation fund for farmers affected by the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur, among other common agricultural products (CAP).

"Disappointed" with the Spanish government

The spokesperson for Revolta Pagesa, Jordi Ginebreda, who appeared after the regional minister, stated from Bàscara that they are "disappointed with the Spanish government," to whom they were directing their demands because it is the administration that, he said, should represent them before Europe. "A very strong criticism of the Spanish government because it has refused to listen to us. The Minister of Agriculture has come forward and listened to us," he added. Catalan farmers continued blocking traffic throughout Sunday on five major roads. These included the AP-7 between Borrassà and Vilademuls, the C-16 between Casserres and Berga, and the A-27 at the entrance to the port of Tarragona; and the C-38 at the Ares pass and the N-II between Bàscara and Pontós. Ordeig, speaking to the media, thanked the protesters for their exemplary conduct, as well as the understanding shown by citizens and transport workers, and explained that there had been no significant incidents. "We defend and will continue to defend who we are as a country: agricultural, livestock-raising, and food-producing. We will try to ensure that no farmer has to back down; we will put our necks, our money, our pressure, and whatever else is necessary to move forward," Ordeig asserted, adding that he shares the concern, unease, and doubt surrounding the approval of the AC. Call to consume Catalan products

He also pledged to promote the labeling of Catalan products and appealed to Catalan consumers: "You need to consume local products and know what you're consuming. Many of our problems stem from a lack of cooperation; we will increase policies supporting local products. They need to be identified and recognized." He also stated that they will facilitate a meeting with all Catalan MEPs and the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa. Ordeig noted that agricultural elections will be held on February 27th and that the Catalan Agricultural Council will subsequently be created, a forum open to all agricultural organizations. Furthermore, he committed to addressing the major challenges facing the food sector in the 2026 Budget. "We need greater investment, increased competitiveness, policies to foster generational change, and more funding," he said.

This Sunday at midday, around thirty tractors and other vehicles slowly drove through the streets of Tarragona to demonstrate their rejection of the EU-Mercosur agreement. "There's a serious lack of public education. The agreement was being largely ignored by our society until the farmers finally rose up," denounced Ramon Rojo, secretary of the Catalan Farmers' Guild, according to ACN.