The sector does not deserve the abuse that is being given, Not for history, Nor for economy, Nor by employability, Nor for justice.

Opinion article.

 

All my professional career has been linked to tomato. I am the third generation. More than fifty years in which, both in the Canary Islands and in the Peninsula, where I exercised my profession, I have seen and lived happy moments, regular and not so good.

I have witnessed how tomato has killed hunger; has allowed to prosper whole families and that many men and women have been able to have a future and a dignified life.

I have also resisted the effects of the world situation, globalization and worldwide markets, Despite the titanic adaptation efforts we make.

The new market rules have contributed a technification and qualification of agriculture never seen before in the Canary Islands.

Also belong to the European club and, in particular, to the ultraperiferic regions, has endowed us with mechanisms that, supposedly, They bring us closer to the continent.

However, and having the winds in favor, The direction of the Canarian export tomato has been twisted in the last decade tragically (Intentional?).

I am convinced that we will have done many things wrong. Perhaps among these reasons I have not constituted a powerful pressure lobby as producers of other crops have done.

Our naivety and honesty made us think that with the "compliance" of the agreements, guidelines and commitments by administrations, We didn't need more. Nothing else was necessary

And that has been our big mistake: trust in some responsible that, which crop dropper, We are supplied by droplet the compensation that belongs to us by law.

I am sad to verify that the Canary Islands Export Tomato Strategy have served nothing, nor the motions in support of the sector, nor the non -law proposition approved last June in Parliament by CC, PSOE, PP y NC.

And I wonder: If all political groups with representation support “decidame” to the sector, why "promises" do not translate into facts?.

Could it be that there is a premeditated plan for the disappearance and eviction of this sector?. Is it true that we have the enemy at home?. Otherwise it is not understood. Promises are not lived and less breeding.

Perhaps the EU Agriculture Commissioner who will come to the Canary Islands in the middle of the month, Do not bring promises and yes solutions. Those who do not want to give us here. Such as, more justice in the distribution of the funds allocated by the European Union to the possession.

To the more than fifteen thousand jobs generated by the activity, The contribution to the Regional R&D, Indirect jobs and related companies, The greatest technification and modernization of crops in the Canary Islands, The excellence of a product demanded by the most demanding consumers in Europe ..., This is your own brand, The "Canary Islands" could be called. Who then deserves the support and fulfillment of the commitments?.

Neither the Canary Islands government nor the Government of Spain agrees. If one does not put, Because the other does not do it and vice versa. Dizzying the tomato by decrees and orders that systematically breach. This is how our representatives are responsible for sinking a whole sector, The generation of wealth and employment. This is how they crush the sector and who we live.

That is why I ask myself again: Is there a premeditated plan?. Not to be, I invite the one that is not involved to uncheck with facts so that the sector identifies those who are in the firing squad.

Unfortunate role for the history of these islands that will do and, be protagonists of the burial of the sector, will give me deep shame. Something I announced I am not willing to attend.

A mis 71 years if I have learned something, it is better to die standing than to live kneeling, It is the best legacy that I can leave you. And this one that subscribes so does ... who follows me?

And of transport compensation, including the 2002 judgment ...,We will talk.

 

Jacinto Godoy Gonzalez.

General Director of the Coagrisán Agricultural Cooperative.