Farmers left in the dry over drought

Prior to the meeting, there had been some confidence that Vidal would increase the aid for buying fodder. But this wasn't the case. As a consequence, Biel Torrens, general secretary of the Farmers Union, said that the amount on offer from the government was totally insufficient and would not cover a minimum of the additional costs that farmers face.

Five cents a day to feed a sheep, Torrens explained, was a "paltry" amount, and the situation was getting worse, given that the lack of rain was now into its fourth month. Another industry representative, Joana Mascaró, added to the complaints, noting that crops had been lost. "Even if it starts to rain now, the forage is dead. In Majorca there aren't enough such crops, so there has to be import from the mainland, and this implies a doubling of price."

Asaja believe that the government should assume 50% of the cost of feeding cattle, goats and sheep. This would amount to between four and five million euros. Simonet was not ruling out protests if the government doesn't change its stance.