As explained by the president of the Platform in Defence of Irrigation for the County, Cristóbal Picón, "the strawberry and red fruit sectors are currently living a critical situation due to the lack of water," to which he added that producers, workers, suppliers, etc., "have again demonstrated an unwavering unity to face a problem that not only affects about 1,500 growers, but an entire region that lives off this sector."
Picón read a manifesto that has been delivered to the Central Government Delegation in Andalusia, in which it is stated that "for many years, the County's irrigated sector has been claiming a water transfer from the Tinto-Odiel-Piedras basin to the Guadalquivir basin and all attempts to make it happen have always been ignored." As pointed out, the lack of water has resulted "in a 25% reduction of our plantations. We fear that this year's campaign will finish early because of the water shortage." Therefore, he urged the executive to "prevent an economic and social catastrophe in the area." According to data from the sector, berry cultivation accounts for over 90% of GDP in the affected municipalities and generates more than 90,000 jobs during the campaign. Therefore, he said, "life in the County of Huelva needs this water transfer, just like a patient in need of blood; otherwise, we will fall into the abyss of despair, of growing unemployment and reduced prosperity."
Moreover, Picon stated that this is an "urgent need which needs to be satisfied now, or help will arrive too late." In this regard, he reminded the central government delegation in Andalusia that the sector wants to "be treated like other Spaniards," referring to recent transfers approved, including the Tajo-Segura, the Júcar-Vinalopó and the Ebro-Campo de Tarragona. "Many transfers are approved in Spain, but none with the same harmony between both basins as ours." On behalf of all growers represented by the Platform in Defence of Irrigation for the County, Picón asked the government delegate in Andalusia, Antonio Sanz, to "intercede in Madrid for us, conveying our requests, and to consider that the only way for our crops to survive is an emergency decree and an express transfer."
Picón, who thanked all attendees for their presence, said that the Platform will continue its protest actions until there is a written commitment from the central government to authorise the transfer.
Respect for the environment
The president assured that the sector "is doing its part and to look after the environment in the Doñana Natural Area." In this sense, he stated that more than 80% of the crops are grown under Integrated Production techniques; also, more than 40% of the acreage corresponds to organic production and producers make use of drip irrigation, ensuring efficiency in water management and respect for the environment.