Interview with Julio Gil, President of Ansemat
July 18, 2011
Balance with the figures for the first half in the hands and the truth is that all are not rosy. A stalled tractor market (and this despite a good month of January), trailers to the bottom, and where only is saved, among the broad categories, automotive machinery with an exceptional month in April. What balance they do from Ansemat?
The difficulties in the markets have not disappeared, as it has also changed national economic reality with little positive growth prospects. In regards to the domestic agricultural sector despite good data, by rising prices of certain products, such as cereals, have not been change the downward trend due to the pressure borne by the producers with high prices of inputs increase production costs and make it to reflect further on investments in agricultural machinery.
In these moments, not only weighs too much uncertainty, but also the lack of financial support that further cuts if those investments. For the moment, farmers are still waiting for better times with their vehicles and agricultural machinery increasingly aging.
So what is the second part of the year?
Uncertainty, lack of financing, high production costs,... These are all reasons for which the farmer does not dare to make investments. What we need to ensure that this situation will change?
A good part of the improvements will be based in the pursuit of excellence and the development of tools for differentiation of farmers.
As for the machinery sector we should congratulate ourselves because even with a very tight budget, the Ministry continues to support measures of encouragement and support to the renewal of equipment through the Renove Plan of the National Park of agricultural machinery and subsidies for the introduction of new technologies in farm equipment and machinery.
The numbers differ greatly with respect to other European countries, which are very positive for the 2011 forecasts, as it is the case of Germany or France. Why this difference between our agriculture and our environment?
What role can play the export in the current situation?
Is the Administration doing its work in facilitating that the farmer can access your machinery?
FIMA returns next year. Can it be a turning point?
FIMA 2012 maybe if you can assume that turning point, taking into account the need for renewal and investment in new equipment that has the farmer after the halt in the market of machinery. Innovations to be presented will allow the technology application and research and development of brands, savings in fuel consumption and rational application of seeds, fertilizers and plant protection products, at the time that favors the work of the user using intelligent management systems. This will result in the profitability of production.
The future of the CAP will clarify. See the well designed with the latest proposals?
Perhaps submitted changes promote differentiation between farmers professionals with large farms and the specificity of small farms could not adapt to all countries. It must be borne in mind that we are 27 countries with very different agricultural realities.
Despite the fundamental component of innovation and technology support in the sector of mechanization, bringing improvements in performance and energy savings, improvements in sustainability, environmental and productive, despite the fact that, today, productive agriculture can not be understood without the use of machinery, however, not been taken into account in this sector in the formulation of this policy.
It is on the verge of completing the first year at the head of the Association. What balance would do, and mostly, what has it meant for you become maximum representative of Ansemat?
I would like to highlight the great reception that I have given members and therefore the great responsibility that is not to disappoint them during my mandate. There is also the great help of the Board of Directors and above all the staff of the Association, that make you everything very simple.
It is too early to make balance, since we have many fronts, and depends on our work that are closed in a positive way. I would highlight the preparation of a very important event to be held in the month of September, the green spaces Demoverde fair organized jointly by Ansemat and fair of Zaragoza. I would also highlight the agreement signed by our partnership with Agragex for collaboration between the two.