Around 200 tractors and agricultural vehicles joined a large-scale protest through the centre of Alicante yesterday, causing slow-moving traffic along major avenues and streets. The mobilisation was organised by Asaja Alicante and brought together farmers from across the province under the slogan “Less lies, more solutions for the countryside”.

Protesters are calling for the EU–Mercosur trade agreement to be scrapped, arguing that it allows imports produced under environmental and phytosanitary standards lower than those required within the European Union. They say this creates unfair competition and puts local producers, particularly citrus growers, at risk.

Water availability was another central issue. Farming representatives warned that further restrictions to the Tajo–Segura transfer would make agriculture in south-east Spain unviable, insisting that sufficient and affordable water is essential for crops to survive. They also criticised the Spanish Government’s support for water transfer projects outside the country.

Asaja leaders described the protest as historic and said it marked the start of a new phase of mobilisation. The demonstration ended with a gathering on foot near Casa Mediterráneo, where a manifesto was read demanding fairer agricultural and trade policies and long-term security for farming in Alicante province.