Rural world"Improving rural areas is to improve society", explained from the UPA.

On the occasion of the recent municipal and regional elections, the Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers (UPA) has asked the political forces that have participated “a clear commitment to the rural world”. "Improving rural areas is to improve society", farmers and ranchers have explained.

UPA has defended equal opportunities for the rural world, for citizens who live and work in towns, that surround the 15 million people in Spain.

Access to services such as health and education are basic and the protection and promotion of the family model of agricultural exploitation is emerging as the “best guarantee of a sustainable future” for the economy of rural areas..

The UPA proposals also affect the “essential” collaboration of the regional administrations for the proper functioning of the food chain.: “watching, controlling and sanctioning those who fail to comply with the laws” in matters such as selling at a loss.

The proposals

Improve the rural environment through 'Strategies to promote rural development' in order to facilitate communications, residence and sustainable economic activity in rural populations, slowing and even reversing depopulation, particularly of young people.

Bet on Participatory Local Development based on LEADER, guaranteeing sufficient economic resources and a balanced composition of the Local Action Groups, with the participation of agricultural professional organizations.

Defend a model of town councils and towns with guaranteed public services and essential competencies, improving current deficiencies to ensure quality of life.

Promote and enhance mitigation and adaptation measures to climate change through, among others, of investments in the increase and maintenance of forest masses and agricultural programs to reduce greenhouse gases.

Defend a sustainable family farming model consisting of family farming that resides and works in rural areas and whose main income and dedication comes from agricultural and livestock activity., that applies environmentally sustainable production methods and preserves natural and cultural heritage, promoting equality between men and women.

Support organic production and food and quality productions with sustainability criteria.

Ensure the correct management of the Natura Network 2000 and other protected areas.

Guarantee that policies and measures for rural development generate stable and quality employment in sustainable economic activities, with special impact on young people and women.

Enact Rural Development Programs (PDR) that prioritize professional farmers and the rejuvenation of the agricultural sector.

Establish specific agricultural financing measures with special impact on sectors of social interest through priority support for financing professional farmers.

Control and sanction the sale of agri-food products at a loss.

Thoroughly control the labeling and fraud regulations for agri-food products in order to guarantee both the characteristics of the food and the origin of the products..

Properly carry out controls in the dairy sector.

Support the operation and reinforcement of agricultural professional organizations in their role as representatives and interlocutors of the agricultural sector and rural areas..