The president of the regional government, Juanma Moreno, proposed an alliance between Mediterranean regions to defend the Common Agricultural Policy and tourism. He pointed out that agriculture depends on future European budgets and championed the countryside as a major industry in the face of tourism-phobia. He also expressed his opposition to Von der Leyen's reform. The initiative seeks to protect jobs and resources in two key sectors for the local economy, ensuring income and stability for farmers and tourism workers.
Agricultural technology: sensors and data to optimize the CAP 🌾
The proposed alliance could rely on tools such as humidity sensors and drones to monitor crops, optimizing the use of water and fertilizers. Shared data platforms between regions would allow adjusting requests for European funds to real needs. Automated irrigation systems and AI-driven soil analysis would help meet CAP environmental requirements without losing productivity. The digitalization of the countryside is not optional: it is the way to justify every euro received and avoid cuts in an increasingly contested budget.
Tourism-phobia, the excuse not to pay for the beach bar 🏖️
Moreno says tourism is a major industry and that it must be protected from tourism-phobia. Of course, because nothing calms the tourist more than seeing the price of their beach bar go up while being told it's to maintain the CAP. Meanwhile, farmers dream of Brussels paying their bills and hoteliers pray their building won't be torn down. In the end, everyone is happy: some get paid, others vacation, and the politicians get their photos taken on the beach.