The lack of profitability and uncertainty mark the daily life of the fruit sector in Bell llopc, where farmer Manel Cònsola summarizes a situation that, after three decades in the trade, has led him to reconsider his continuity. "My thought is not to continue with fruit", he assures, in a context of high costs, administrative pressure, and accumulated wear and tear.
A job that moves forward with insufficient margins
Cònsola places the main problem in the low profitability with which many farms operate. He expresses it directly by explaining that "it pays off if you love the work", but he specifies that, seen from a business logic, the activity does not offer sustainable results. "However, in entrepreneur mode, for now it is not profitable", he states.
To that lack of margin is added a constant uncertainty which, in his case, conditions future decisions. The farmer maintains that it is not enough to maintain the activity out of vocation if the accounts do not guarantee stability or continuity.
Prices at origin very far from what the consumer pays
One of the points he criticizes most is the difference between the price the producer receives and the final amount in the store. "They pay us, for example, 30 cents for an apple and then in the store you see it at 3.20 euros", he denounces. That disparity, he maintains, leaves the farmer on the weakest part of the chain.
For this reason, it demands a minimum market price that allows covering costs and working with a secure base. Along the same lines, it insists that the sector needs to collect the cost of production as soon as possible to be able to operate with a minimum of foresight. "What we want is for us to have the cost of production in our pocket, the sooner the better," it points out.
Lack of labor, bureaucracy and psychological wear and tear
The diagnosis Cònsola makes is not limited to numbers. It also points to the lack of labor, the pressure of bureaucracy, and the personal impact the profession carries. "There is a lack of labor, the pressure of bureaucracy, and the psychological toll we farmers suffer," he states.
In that scenario, it demands less administrative burden, more tools to gain stability and greater social recognition of the profession. It asks for "less bureaucracy" and also "prestige for the farmer", considering that the sector needs support to remain viable.
A change of course after 30 years in the field
After 30 years dedicated to agricultural work in Bell lloc, Cònsola links his change of strategy to the situation of the sector and also to the climate. His decision involves leaving fruit behind and betting on another crop. "I am planting olive trees," he explains, in a turn that reflects to what extent the lack of profitability is pushing some producers to seek alternatives to sustain their farms.