In the letter, the signatories call on the Spanish Government to reconsider the measure, which the CHOC claim will endanger “the continuity of many farms and businesses and hence impact many jobs”.
Sources from the organisation say the Government’s action “is forgetting about the agricultural nature of the sector” and that it is the only area in agriculture “subject to the general rise in VAT”.
In the letter, the sector says it is “willing to accept its role” in the adjustments and a corresponding rise in sales tax, but not to have its products moved from the reduced to the general rate, which “will jeopardise the viability of an activity of vital importance for public wellbeing and environmental improvement”.