Spain: Olive oil producers protest low sale prices

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Olive oil producers took to the streets of Madrid on Thursday to protest low sale price of the products and demanded protection from the U.S. threat to impose tariffs on European agriculture products.

Olive farmers asked for "fair prices" from Spanish Agriculture Ministry, saying it costs more to produce a liter of this "liquid gold" than its sale in the market, according to local daily ABC.

They also demanded more regulation, more vigilance and greater quality control.

The farmers wanted the Spanish government to take measures to balance the situation while Washington is planning to set a 25% tax on EU agricultural imports.

If necessary precautions and steps are not taken, the producers warned that in a short time they will also be part of the much-discussed depopulation in Spain, saying their way of life is "seriously" threatened.

Some 250,000 families make a living from the olive market in Spain.