Thought I'd take a break from describing my surreal vacations and write about current issues. A topic less grim than the humanitarian crisis of war refugees: Galicia's dairy farmers. When I first went grocery shopping in Spain, one of the things that caught my eye were the super low prices on fresh produce and milk. For a liter of milk you don't pay anywhere close to a euro. And while the more ¨expensive¨ dairy brands can cost you 80 cents/L, the store brands usually round 60 cents. How can it be?! Well now it's become obvious that it's because dairy farmers in Galicia make less than 40 cents per liter, which is barely enough to meet production costs, let alone earn a living. So in protest the farmers gathered together and did one of the most badass things I've ever seen-- they brought their tractors to Lugo. Not just a handful driving around town, but over 100 tractors lined around the Roman Wall, blocking traffic yesterday and today. Almost all roads in Lugo somehow connect to this street, making it all the more effective. At least, I hope so. Hopefully the government takes notice of this eye-catching protest and gives them their due. So, apoio ao sector lácteo! Because without farmers where would we be?
venres, 4 de setembro de 2015
Apoio ao sector lácteo
Thought I'd take a break from describing my surreal vacations and write about current issues. A topic less grim than the humanitarian crisis of war refugees: Galicia's dairy farmers. When I first went grocery shopping in Spain, one of the things that caught my eye were the super low prices on fresh produce and milk. For a liter of milk you don't pay anywhere close to a euro. And while the more ¨expensive¨ dairy brands can cost you 80 cents/L, the store brands usually round 60 cents. How can it be?! Well now it's become obvious that it's because dairy farmers in Galicia make less than 40 cents per liter, which is barely enough to meet production costs, let alone earn a living. So in protest the farmers gathered together and did one of the most badass things I've ever seen-- they brought their tractors to Lugo. Not just a handful driving around town, but over 100 tractors lined around the Roman Wall, blocking traffic yesterday and today. Almost all roads in Lugo somehow connect to this street, making it all the more effective. At least, I hope so. Hopefully the government takes notice of this eye-catching protest and gives them their due. So, apoio ao sector lácteo! Because without farmers where would we be?
