The king discusses with Luis Planas how the pandemic affects the agricultural sector

The king met this Monday at the Zarzuela Palace with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, with whom he had the opportunity to analyze how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the sectors that depend on his department.

This meeting is part of those that Felipe VI is holding with various members of the Pedro Sánchez government to receive direct information on how they are acting before COVID-19, regardless of the continuous contact they have established with the chief executive.

During this meeting in the office of the head of state, Planas was able to convey details of the decree approved by the Council of Ministers last week that included measures to cover the deficit of agricultural labor.

According to these measures, the unemployed will be able to work in the next horticultural campaigns in areas close to their homes and, at the same time, collect their unemployment benefits.

An exceptional measure that will last until June 30 and will generate an employment exchange that is intended to be completed with legal foreign residents whose work permit expires before that date.

The Government thus intends to cover between 75,000 and 80,000 jobs to ensure campaigns and avoid economic losses, possible complications in the food chain or a reduction in supply that may make the product more expensive.

The last minister with whom the king had met so far to analyze the situation caused by the coronavirus was that of Justice, Juan Carlos Campo, who went to the Palacio de la Zarzuela last Wednesday.

With Planas, there are already ten ministers with whom the monarch has met, since, in addition to him and the head of Justice, those of Health, Defense, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Economy, Transport and Industry.