Morocco Poised to Gain Market Share as Spanish Berry Growers Face Regulatory Challenges

The Spanish association Freshuelva has asked the government to apply the same regulatory framework as Italy and Portugal regarding the use of plant protection products to combat pests in berry crops. In this way, Spanish producers will be able to be competitive on the markets under the same conditions, reports Challenge.

The Association has warned that the lack of alternative solutions to phytosanitary products, particularly for soil disinfection, could lead "many berry producers in the province of Huelva to abandon their crops and stop planting next season."

A threat that would benefit Morocco, where production is not subject to the same regulations, the same source points out. An abandonment of berry producers in the Huelva region towards other crops would benefit the kingdom, which has moreover quadrupled its production in a few years.

Morocco is the direct competitor that has taken the most market share from Spain in the global berry market, it is added.