Moroccan Producers Deny Agreement to Halt Tomato Exports to France

"These are false allegations, more disinformation than concrete reality," reacted Khalid Saïdi, president of APEFEL, denouncing "a new offensive in the multifaceted campaign led against Moroccan producers by certain French professional federations, particularly in the media field." The official assures that no formal discussion has been initiated in this direction with the French agricultural organizations: "At no time have we validated the idea of interrupting our exports at a specific time of the year, this goes against commercial practices, international commitments and the very principles of free competition."

However, exchanges have taken place with the French counterparts with a view to technical cooperation, with a particular emphasis on the sharing of information on sown areas, export forecasts or synergy of actions in the fight against plant health diseases. "These exchanges were imbued with good faith and dealt with strictly professional aspects," he said, acknowledging, however, that the French had "made unacceptable proposals, such as a total suspension of Moroccan tomato shipments between April and October. This type of measure falls within the sovereign prerogatives of States and far exceeds the mandate of professional organizations."

The president of APEFEL says he was "stunned to read in the press the announcement of the imminent signing of a so-called agreement during the next Salon de l’agriculture in Meknes. This situation borders on the absurd in many respects." And to wonder: "How could we endorse a mechanism that would undermine the entire Moroccan tomato industry? Such a provision would be in complete contradiction with the free trade agreements linking Morocco to the European Union (EU), with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and with the fundamental principles of competition law."

The official also stressed that "locking the market for the exclusive benefit of European producers would directly harm the purchasing power of households who are calling for our tomatoes for their quality and accessibility," stating that "while Morocco’s trade deficit with the European Union reaches ten billion euros, our tomato exports do not exceed one billion euros. This vital sector employs 120,000 direct workers and hundreds of thousands of indirect jobs in the kingdom. It also ensures a constant and reliable supply for European markets."