Basque farmers protest in Vitoria-Gasteiz over drought

Farmers and livestock breeders in the Basque Country organized a tractor protest in Vitoria-Gasteiz to demand that the Basque Government designate Araba, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa as drought zones. The association Ataca (Trebiñu and Araba Land for the Defense) led the demonstration, which involved approximately 30 tractors marching to the seat of the regional government.

Protesters cited extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius and a prolonged lack of precipitation, as the primary drivers of the crisis. Raul Beitia, president of Ataca, described the situation as extreme, noting that since July, mountains have been devoid of grass and livestock feed has become critically scarce. According to survey data, 87% of livestock farmers reported receiving less feed than in previous years, and milk production has dropped by 5 to 7 liters per animal due to heat and lack of fodder.

While Ataca is calling for immediate emergency measures and official drought status to access specific aid, the UAGA, which represents the majority of the primary sector in Araba, has opted to negotiate with the government rather than join the mobilization. However, UAGA sources indicated that if no solutions are reached by September, they may not rule out future protests.