Farmers in Asturias, Spain, are facing a crisis as wildfires threaten their livelihoods and traditional way of life. Last spring, nearly 300 wildfires ravaged the region, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and reaching the outskirts of the regional capital, Oviedo. Authorities have pointed the finger at farmers, accusing some of deliberately setting fires to clear grazing pasture.
The regional government, prosecutors, and environmental groups have expressed concerns about the combination of long-standing grievances over government interference in farming practices and the impacts of climate change. They argue that traditional fire-setting practices, once used to clear brush and create new pasture for cattle, have become increasingly dangerous in a warmer, drier climate.
Alejandro Calvo, head of Asturias’ fire prevention and extinction department, has emphasized the need for increased efforts to prevent and extinguish wildfires. The region has boosted its budget for firefighting by almost 20% and hired additional staff to improve surveillance and response capabilities.
However, farmers like Jose Ramon Garcia, head of the farmers’ union UCA, push back against accusations of arson. Garcia argues that the authorities are not effectively managing flammable undergrowth, leading to large fires caused by natural factors rather than deliberate actions by farmers.
The debate over wildfires in Asturias highlights broader economic challenges facing farmers in the region. Spain’s transition to a more industrialized economy has reduced the significance of agriculture, with farming now contributing just over 1% to Asturias’ economy. Farmers struggle to access financing, with small farms and young farmers facing the greatest difficulties.
Furthermore, farmers in Asturias also contend with the impact of protected predators like wolves. The growing wolf population poses a threat to livestock, particularly calves, with farmers receiving less than market value in compensation for losses. Policies aimed at protecting wolves have led to tensions between farmers and the government, with some political parties advocating for the removal of wolves from the protected species list.
As farmers in Asturias grapple with wildfires, economic challenges, and predator threats, the future of agriculture in the region remains uncertain. Balancing the need for fire prevention, environmental protection, and economic sustainability will require collaboration between farmers, authorities, and environmental groups to find sustainable solutions.