A conflict is brewing in Catalunya that could shape the future of the region’s agriculture. Pistachio growers from Urgell have refused to cooperate with a major agribusiness company, seeking better terms and greater independence. This decision follows years of losses and disappointment over promises that were never fulfilled.
The situation affects not only individual families’ finances but also the entire nut market in Spain. Farmers, faced with low payments, are now looking for new ways to sell their crops to regain control over their income. Their actions might serve as an example for other regions where agricultural producers are also dissatisfied with the conditions imposed by major players.
Breaking with the past
Almost ten years ago, Grupo Borges actively promoted pistachio cultivation in Urgell, leveraging new irrigation opportunities. At the time, farmers believed in the potential and invested heavily in expanding their plantations. However, over the years it became clear that the promised benefits never materialized. Payments for the harvest were so low they didn’t even cover basic expenses such as water, fertilizers, and tree maintenance.
Around 70 farmers, managing about 500 hectares, have decided to terminate their contracts. Tired of constant losses, they are now seeking buyers in other regions where pistachio prices are considerably higher. In particular, attention has shifted to Aragón and Castilla-La Mancha, where the market is more open and conditions more transparent.
Financial rift
One of the farmers, Ramon Boleda, experienced first-hand the difference between markets. Last year, his harvest amounted to 13,500 kilograms of dry pistachios. Had he sold it outside the Grupo Borges system, his income could have reached €81,000. However, the company paid him only €13,000—just enough to cover the cost of irrigation water.
This situation has become typical for many members of the cooperative. Farmers point out that even with a good harvest, they could not cover basic expenses. This eroded trust in large companies and forced them to seek alternatives. Moreover, the promised processing plant was never built, which increased costs and reduced the competitiveness of their products.
New expectations
This season has been less fruitful for pistachios in Urgell. The crop tends to alternate between ‘rich’ and ‘lean’ years, and last year’s drought negatively affected blooming. Despite this, farmers hope that new prices will compensate for the drop in volume. They believe that selling independently will not only cover their costs but also lay the groundwork for sustainable development.
The decision to forgo large company intermediaries is seen as a step toward restoring fairness and respect for those who work the land. For many, it is not just an economic choice but an attempt to regain control over their own destiny and secure a future for their families.
Context and consequences
In recent years, conflicts between farmers and major processors have become increasingly common in Spain. Farmers complain about low purchase prices that do not reflect the actual costs of production. Situations like these have already led to mass protests in Andalucía and Castilla-La Mancha, where olive and grape producers have also demanded the revision of contract terms.
In some regions, farmers are joining cooperatives to access the market independently and negotiate prices themselves. This approach allows them to secure a greater share of profits and reduce dependence on large companies. As a result, new players are emerging in the market, and competition is becoming more transparent.
Transitioning to independent trade requires time and effort, but experience from other regions shows that with proper organization, farmers can achieve better conditions. In the coming years, similar changes are expected to impact other sectors of Spain’s agriculture.
