Spanish Farmer Rodrigo Mangana Struggles Against Rising Costs
Source: Dairynews.today
At 68, Rodrigo Mangana considers throwing in the towel as costs rise while the price of his milk remains unchanged.
Rodrigo Mangana, a 68-year-old farmer from the Sierra de Cádiz, faces financial strain as the cost of living and production soars. Despite inheriting the family business, his 300 sheep, 350 goats, and 60 cows’ milk yield the same price year after year, a situation that threatens the generational legacy of his farm.
Mangana's economic concerns stem from the rising costs of feed, energy, and other essentials, compounded by the government's hike in the Minimum Interprofessional Wage. With production costs increasing and the price of his specialty Payoyo cheese milk staying the same, the continuity of his business hangs by a thread.
Challenges in a Changing Economy
The impacts of economic challenges are widespread in Spain, with the agricultural sector facing an 80% increase in minimum wage since 2016. This led to significant job losses in rural areas, prompting calls for governmental support to ease the burden. Mangana echoes this sentiment, noting that stricter labor reforms and high operational costs strain small producers like him.
As Mangana looks towards his uncertain future, the demand for a flexible workforce in agriculture becomes crucial. With no significant labor available locally, the government had to approve international hiring to meet seasonal demands. Experts like Mangana and industry organizations urge for transitional periods and subsidies to secure rural businesses.
Far-reaching Effects
The broader fiscal implications affect not only dairy but also fruit harvests, with projections indicating an increase in production costs beyond manageable limits. The agricultural sector stands at a crossroads, seeking amendments to prevent the collapse of vital rural enterprises.
Mangana's economic concerns stem from the rising costs of feed, energy, and other essentials, compounded by the government's hike in the Minimum Interprofessional Wage. With production costs increasing and the price of his specialty Payoyo cheese milk staying the same, the continuity of his business hangs by a thread.
Challenges in a Changing Economy
The impacts of economic challenges are widespread in Spain, with the agricultural sector facing an 80% increase in minimum wage since 2016. This led to significant job losses in rural areas, prompting calls for governmental support to ease the burden. Mangana echoes this sentiment, noting that stricter labor reforms and high operational costs strain small producers like him.
As Mangana looks towards his uncertain future, the demand for a flexible workforce in agriculture becomes crucial. With no significant labor available locally, the government had to approve international hiring to meet seasonal demands. Experts like Mangana and industry organizations urge for transitional periods and subsidies to secure rural businesses.
Far-reaching Effects
The broader fiscal implications affect not only dairy but also fruit harvests, with projections indicating an increase in production costs beyond manageable limits. The agricultural sector stands at a crossroads, seeking amendments to prevent the collapse of vital rural enterprises.
