Andorra Farmers Split on Government Aid: Livestock Praises Progress, Crop Growers Decry Shortfalls

Xavier Coma, president of the Andorran Farmers and Livestock Breeders Association (APRA) since 2011, has praised recent progress in the primary sector, pointing to overdue subsidies now paid up and regulatory tweaks that ease operations. However, non-livestock producers warn that new government aid falls short of covering rising costs and daily challenges like pests and strict inspections.

In an interview with Altaveu, Coma credited direct talks with the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock—particularly Minister Casal—for bringing subsidies current, including fresh support for vegetable, fruit tree, and aromatic plant crops, as well as livestock. He welcomed land law changes, shaped with input from that ministry and Territory and Urbanism, which allow farm expansions and encourage modern, efficient facilities. These address concerns aired in the legislative commission, though he said more precise aid details are needed.

Coma underscored the need for ongoing public funding to sustain high-mountain farming, given Andorra's tough terrain and weather. The sector prioritizes quality over volume—highlighted by IGP Andorran Meat, which aids tourism and land upkeep—rather than self-sufficiency. Tobacco growing has long supplied vital revenue through a private contract, enabling livestock's rise, but the EU association agreement risks wiping it out, with farmers sidelined in state negotiations.

Without such income or adequate aid, farms would falter, he said, urging updates to match living costs and fund substitutes for work-life balance. Irregular hours and isolation deter youth, and while climate change looms without fixes, the sector handles environmental duties. On pricing, Andorra fares better: state-farmer-owned Ramaders d’Andorra manages meat sales fairly, and most produce uses short supply chains, though producer prices still lag cultivation demands.

A separate report in Diari d'Andorra amplified non-livestock struggles. New diversification grants—5,135 euros per hectare yearly for horticulture, fruit, aromatics, and free-range poultry—offer some relief but barely dent realities. Sandra Balcon of organic farm L’Ou 1900 said 5,000 euros covers just two months of feed, including transport. Pests like the Asian fruit fly ravage crops such as strawberries, while poultry faces relentless checks every three months, often requiring external experts due to missing local technical aid. Any outbreak could force mass culls, producers note, stressing that aid must spread beyond livestock.