The agri-food sector, one of the most important in our economy, continues to work to guarantee a constant supply of food to Spanish households. Today we highlight the admirable effort of those who work in fisheries, agricultural and livestock farming in Spain
In the midst of an unprecedented health crisis, the vast majority of Spanish households still have their basic daily food in the pantry. And this is thanks to the millions of people who work in the food industry: from the farmer to the supermarket staff. It is also a key sector for the Spanish economy: it provides more than 100 billion euros - 9.2% of the GDP - and more than 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs, as well as accounting for almost 17% of the total Spanish exports.
Workers, associations and confederations in this sector have been providing an exemplary response since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. Today, we want to highlight the work of this sector.
In the field, on the farm and at sea
Agricultural and livestock farmers are trying harder than ever to keep production going, showing the support and unity of their cooperatives and their sector in light of the challenges that the coronavirus is presenting, such as the growing consumer demand.
To ensure the safety of workers in this sector, farms and meat companies are looking after their workers health, drawing up contingency plans and implementing measures such as alternative shifts in order to avoid contact between departments and different groups of people. In addition to further increasing controls to uphold food safety and quality, strictly complying with the protocols of the health authorities for the prevention and protection against Covid-19, as explained by Interporc.
🐂👩🌾#yonomepuedoquedarencasa La #ganadera @luciavelascoro2 como tantos otros producen #alimentos #sostenibles para que no falte suministro#EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos #CuarentenaObligatoria @Isabelbombal1
@redrunacional
@f_miranda_s
@mapagob
@EspOrellana
@jmflavian
@eleonp pic.twitter.com/VbwvbqwBjT— ALAS (Alianza por una agricultura sostenible) (@ALAS_alianza) March 20, 2020
The fisheries sector, which is also facing difficulties in ports in other countries, has also guaranteed a regular supply of both fresh and frozen products. As CEPESCA emphasizes, the sector is making a huge effort financially and in terms of personnel dedicated to this sector in order to continue fishing. The diversity of the fleet also makes it possible to maintain activity despite the difficulties. Also in this sector, especially in the deep-sea trawlers such as (‘Gran Sol’) equipped with freezers, they have implemented strict safety measures for the health of the crew and the merchandise in different ports, and are keeping their teams on board to avoid contagion.
#JuntosSaldremosAdelante Consumir productos de la #pesca 🐟🐙🦐, además de ser saludable, contribuye a mantener la actividad y el empleo en un sector tan necesario como el pesquero #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/nFrGKBxsOV
— CEPESCA (@CEPESCA) March 20, 2020
Nor have they stopped feeding and looking after the health of animals. The Spanish Confederation of Composite Animal Feed Manufacturers (CESFAC-Spanish acronym) has transmitted through its social media platforms the measures they are taking to guarantee the supply of animal feed.
Veterinarians are also helping out by continuing to work, in order to make sure that the food chain continues to function as it should, as stipulated by the Veterinary College Organisation (OCV- acronym in Spanish).
A sector that is demonstrating its solidarity
In addition to the sacrifice and professionalism, those working in this sector are also demonstrating enormous solidarity. This is evident in initiatives such as the offer from the Agricultural Association of Young Farmers (ASAJA) of its equipment and to assist with the disinfection of streets and public areas. A proposal that is taking place on a national level, where the organization and agricultural entrepreneurs are working with mayors, government delegates and regional administrations.
Another initiative is that of ‘Ganaderos y Solidarios‘, formed by a group of livestock entrepreneurs who have offered to donate meat to hospitals, security forces, old people’s homes and soup kitchens during the state of emergency. From their platforms, they encourage any livestock farmers who would like to help, to contact the network in order to increase their donations. The network also organises the collection of donations.
Agricultural workers are mobilizing their machinery and personnel to collaborate in the disinfection of streets and public spaces throughout Spain. Photo: ASAJA
