Urgent Call for Financial Support to the Canary Islands’ Agricultural Sector

The Popular Party (PP) has taken a decisive step by introducing a Non-Legislative Proposal in Congress, aimed at ensuring the immediate disbursement of €24.9 million owed to the agricultural sector in the Canary Islands. This significant sum is associated with additional funding increases under the POSEI program, which supports agricultural campaigns spanning the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The urgency of this proposal reflects the pressing financial needs of the agricultural community in the region.

In a strategic move to bolster their demands, the PP has also submitted a parallel proposal to the Upper House. This initiative underscores the necessity for the Government to honor its commitments as outlined in the Canary Islands’ Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF). The party argues that fulfilling this payment is essential for sustaining financial stability within the primary sector of the islands, which is vital for both the economy and the livelihoods of local farmers.

Juan Antonio Rojas, a Congressman from the Canary Islands representing the PP, has been vocal in his criticism of the central government, pointing out its repeated failures to meet its obligations under the REF. He emphasized that the regional government was compelled to advance €16.4 million to support 7,803 farmers and livestock producers, a move that was necessary to prevent these individuals from losing critical aid. This situation highlights the precarious state of agricultural financing in the region.

Rojas further elaborated on the significance of the additional POSEI funding, which is entirely financed by the State. He described it as a crucial support mechanism designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by the islands, including issues related to insularity and territorial fragmentation. Despite previous assurances of increased funding, the government has only managed to disburse €21 million over the past three years, significantly short of the promised increases of 10% and 20% across various aid lines.

The outstanding debt of €24.9 million has been characterized by Rojas as intolerable, creating substantial hurdles for agricultural operations. He pointed out that many farmers and ranchers are finding it increasingly difficult to plan their campaigns due to the uncertainty stemming from the government’s failure to deliver on its commitments. Agrarian organizations in the Canary Islands, such as ASAGA, COAG, UPA, and PALCA, have voiced their concerns, stating that this ongoing situation jeopardizes the viability of numerous agricultural operations and threatens jobs in rural areas.

In his remarks, Rojas highlighted the inconsistency in the government’s position, arguing that it is contradictory for the Minister of Agriculture to assert that POSEI is a matter of state while the government continues to owe substantial amounts to the Canary Islands. He contended that it is unreasonable to seek special treatment for ultra-peripheral regions in Brussels while simultaneously neglecting the pressing needs of the Canary Islands. This inconsistency raises questions about the government’s commitment to supporting its agricultural sector.

Rojas also drew comparisons between Spain’s contributions to the agricultural sector and those of other EU member states. He noted that France allocates €58 million to its additional POSEI funding, while Portugal contributes nearly €28 million. In stark contrast, Spain has maintained its ordinary allocation at €21 million and has accumulated a historical debt, despite the Canary Islands’ primary sector being more active than those of its French and Portuguese counterparts. This disparity raises concerns about equity and fairness in agricultural funding across the EU.

The PP’s proposal not only demands the immediate payment of the outstanding €24.9 million but also calls for the reimbursement of the advances made by the Canary Islands government. Furthermore, it advocates for adequate financial provisions in the General State Budgets for 2026 and beyond, ensuring that both ordinary allocations and approved increases are adequately addressed. Additionally, the proposal seeks enhancements to the community POSEI within the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, emphasizing the need for it to remain an independent instrument from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This approach aims to secure a more stable and predictable funding environment for the agricultural sector in the Canary Islands.

Key points

• The Popular Party demands the immediate payment of €24.9 million owed to the agricultural sector in the Canary Islands.
• This amount is linked to additional POSEI funding for agricultural campaigns from 2022 to 2024.
• Juan Antonio Rojas criticized the central government for failing to meet its obligations under the Economic and Fiscal Regime.
• The regional government had to advance €16.4 million to support farmers and livestock producers.
• Rojas highlighted the negative impact of the outstanding debt on agricultural operations and rural employment.
• The PP’s proposal includes demands for future financial allocations and improvements to community POSEI funding.