Spanish Farmers Protest as Moroccan Produce Floods EU Market, Driving Prices Down

According to the official, the import of Moroccan products has had a negative impact on the fruit and vegetable market since the entry into force of the agreement between the European Union and Morocco signed on October 15. "The impact of the entry of imported products from Morocco has already been felt since the first days of November, causing serious damage to Andalusian producers," he told Horti Daily.

"This campaign, we have seen high yields which, before the removal of tariffs on Moroccan products, were well absorbed by the market. This has been ruined by the unfair competition caused by the entry of Moroccan fruits and vegetables," explained Mr. Góngora. The products most affected by the drop in horticultural prices are tomatoes, zucchini and peppers, as well as eggplants and cucumbers.

Faced with this situation, COAG Andalusia calls on the Ministry of Agriculture to act urgently to put an end to the damage caused to producers. Similarly, the coordinator is asking that import certificates be implemented. "These certificates should be presented by the operators who import Moroccan products," explains Mr. Góngora. This is a measure provided for in the agreement between the European Union and Morocco, which must be implemented in the event of market disruption.