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When Russia announced a ban on imports of food and drink from the EU, Australia and the United States earlier this month, in response to sanctions over actions in the Ukraine, the Spanish government estimated that the measures would cost its agricultural producers €340 million (£270m); industry groups have challenged this estimate, suggesting the true cost will be nearer €600m (£480m).

Russian customs data has suggested it could be even higher. Spanish newspaper El Pais has reported that Spain will be the fifth worst-affected EU state if the trade embargo continues for a full year, as intended.  

On Monday, European Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos announced some protective measures worth €125m (£100m) for growers of perishable produce, who have not had time to seek alternative markets. However, although Ciolos said more funds will be made available if they are deemed necessary, farmers feel that current support will not adequately manage the consequences of the diplomatic row between Russia and the EU, and are angry that certain crop types – including potatoes – are not covered.

On Thursday, farmers in the Granada region dumped their surplus potatoes outside branches of French retail giant Carrefour, accusing the supermarket of squeezing its suppliers. Farmers in union UPA, which staged the protests, claimed that major retailers were paying lower prices to farmers than before the Russian embargo.

Meanwhile in Scotland, Rural Affairs secretary Richard Lochhead has pledged to write to supermarkets, encouraging them to support growers and producers during the "uncertain times" ahead. Lochhead made the announcement following a meeting with sector leaders on Tuesday.