Araga is pursuing legal action against the NITRACHE strategy, a framework plan by the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE) aimed at mitigating nitrate pollution from intensive agricultural and livestock activities in the Ebro basin. The initiative combines enhanced monitoring of rivers and aquifers with stricter criteria for granting water concessions to new livestock facilities in vulnerable areas.
DELAYS IN PROCESSING
The latter point has generated the most controversy, which is why the organization is calling for a technical meeting with the CHE, the Government of Aragon and agricultural organizations to determine which agricultural and livestock projects are affected, which reports remain pending and what criteria are being applied.
Araga is also calling for delays caused by a lack of administrative coordination to be avoided and for nutrient management solutions that can demonstrate environmental improvements to be assessed. The organization has also requested “information and transparency on the review of nitrate-vulnerable zones”, including the technical data supporting the new boundaries, the submissions filed and the deadlines for implementing the new obligations.
Another issue raised with the minister was the “delays in INAGA files and in procedures requiring reports from the CHE”. They warned that these delays could increase project costs, jeopardize their financing and hinder the implementation of aid.
WILDLIFE DAMAGE AND WILDFIRES
Araga has also called for “urgent action against damage caused by wildlife”, such as rabbits, particularly ahead of the upcoming autumn sowing season and in young plantations. The organization proposes establishing plans by species and districts, strengthening controls when necessary and creating an agile system to assess damage and consider compensation and prevention measures.
Regarding this summer’s wildfires, the agricultural organization has requested an assessment of the damage suffered by farms and a recovery timetable covering both production losses and the repair of infrastructure, pastureland, fencing, access routes, irrigation facilities and other elements needed to maintain operations.
Ahead of the next campaign, the agricultural organization is also proposing a review of the protocol on “agricultural work in wildfire-risk situations”, with clear and proportionate restrictions and greater coordination between the Environment and Agriculture departments. Araga believes farmers should also be able to assist with their own equipment and machinery in emergency situations under a protocol establishing training, insurance, costs and damage coverage.
