The agricultural community of La Palma rallied to protest the ongoing crisis in the banana industry, which has been grappling with sales below production costs for an estimated 15 months. The demonstration, attended by an estimated 700 to 2,500 individuals according to various sources, served as a powerful display of unity within the agricultural sector.

Miguel Martín, the president of the Palm Association of Farmers and Ranchers (ASPA), expressed his gratification with the turnout and underscored the sector’s demands. These include the need for increased irrigation water, a fair income for workers, and equitable conditions for imported goods. Martín also spoke about the unique circumstances in La Palma concerning the rebuilding of farms impacted by the recent volcanic eruption. He stressed the importance of inclusive reconstruction efforts. While he doesn’t believe that the exclusion of bananas from the Food Chain Law contributes to the current crisis, Martín advocates for a comprehensive examination of the food chain to better understand commercial profit margins.

Sergio Rodríguez, the president of the Cabildo de La Palma, stood with the protesters, demonstrating his support for the agricultural sector. Rodríguez emphasized the necessity for a legal framework, whether within or outside the scope of the Food Chain Law, to ensure stability for the sector. Juan Carlos Rodríguez, the spokesperson for the Platform for a Fair Banana Price, called for a fair pricing structure for bananas. This would enable farmers to earn a living from their work and uphold the dignity of rural life. Rodríguez connected the exclusion of the Canarian banana from the Food Chain Law to the current banana crisis.

Jorge Hernandez, a spokesperson for the independent collective Amigos del Plátano, expressed his satisfaction with the demonstration and urged the European Union to invest in food security. Hernandez reminded everyone that the European elections are imminent, and that society must prioritize local production.

The demonstration, which unfolded under sporadic rainfall, concluded in front of the island council’s headquarters, where a manifesto was read aloud.