Pedro Sánchez calls for well-funded CAP capable of tackling latest challenges for rural world

Zafra Fairgrounds, Badajoz

The Acting President of the Government recalled that 11 out of every 100 euros produced by the Spanish economy stem from such activities as livestock farming, agriculture, fishing, silviculture and the food industry, which account for more than 100 billion euros per annum. Pedro Sánchez went on to add that more than 2.7 million people earn a living from the agri-food sector "and most of them in a Spain that exists, that is real, and that is starting to garner the attention it deserves within the framework of a political debate that had ignored it for too long: rural Spain".

The Acting President of the Government argued that this contribution demands a commitment to such a fundamental sector in autonomous regions like Extremadura, which, to a great extent, requires the negotiation of a new CAP by the European Union. "We want to see a well-funded CAP capable of maintaining its current budget to underpin the activities of livestock farming, agriculture, silviculture and fishing while at the same time tackling the latest challenges from a new approach", said Pedro Sánchez.

The CAP negotiations represent an opportunity to gain ground in terms of business sustainability and profitability, the role of women and young people in the Spanish countryside, the fight against depopulation and the digitalisation of the rural environment, said the Acting President of the Government.

Export strength

Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaIn his speech, the Acting President of the Government stressed that the agri-food sector exports 50% of what it produces, making Spain the eighth-largest such exporter in the world and the fourth-largest in the European Union. Furthermore, the trade balance shows a surplus of 12 billion euros. Doing business overseas is no longer an insurmountable obstacle course for Spanish companies, said Pedro Sánchez, who pushed for combining the "humility of knowing where we come from" with the "ambition of knowing how far we can go if we remain united in the face of challenge".

The Acting President of the Government said that the overseas reputation data released this week confirm that Spain is one of the countries with the best image in international public opinion and also that "we are valued much more overseas than we value ourselves at home". The time has come to believe in our capabilities and "to break that glass ceiling", he said.

The Acting President of the Government expressed confidence in the added value from the Spanish agri-food sector, as well as the animal and plant health oversight systems. That work, he added, forms part of Spain's image and public authorities must "play their part" so that those products of "outstanding quality" can continue to open new markets. Pedro Sánchez Advocated acting "with caution, effectiveness and foresight" in a context marked by such uncertainties as Brexit, the economic slowdown and the protectionist moves of certain countries.

After the opening ceremony, Pedro Sánchez toured the Zafra International Livestock Fair and San Miguel Traditional Rodeo accompanied by the President of the Regional Government of Extremadura, Guillermo Fernández Vara; the Acting Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas; and the Mayor of Zafra, Jose Carlos Contreras; among other officials. With 566 years of history, the trade fair recorded 800,000 visitors last year and economic transactions worth 200 million euros.

Non official translation