Tomato war: Morocco faces the anger of European farmers

European farmers denounce the competition from Morocco, whose tomato exports continue to increase. "For the 2022-2023 season, 424,690 tons of Moroccan tomatoes were imported into France, compared to 394,740 tons in 2021-2022, an increase of more than 7%. In value, this increase is more than 168 million euros, or 27.5%," notes the association of tomato and cucumber producers in France. According to the free trade agreement with the European Union signed in 2012, Morocco has a quota of 285,000 tons of tomato exports to the EU market between October and May, and benefits from a 60% reduction in customs duties.

French producers are demanding a revision of this agreement and the quota granted to Morocco, which, according to them, would be out of step with reality. They refer in particular to the UK’s exit from the EU (Brexit), a country that imported nearly 45,000 tons of Moroccan tomatoes per year. Meanwhile, Moroccan exports continue to climb. The Moroccan tomato has flooded the French market. Currently, 6 out of 10 tomatoes consumed in France come from Morocco. A situation explained by a strong progression in the kingdom. "A hectare that gave an average of 300 kg per day has given more than a ton this season," a producer from Agadir confided to the daily Le Monde in February.

In France, tomato producers have been affected by the Ukrainian crisis, which has led to a surge in the price of gas, used for greenhouse heating, and a 13% drop in their production. Morocco, on the other hand, devotes about 7,500 hectares to tomato production, with yields of 300 to 350 tons per hectare. The bulk of this production is carried out by French companies, in partnership with Moroccan companies. Among them are Azura, the result of a cooperation between the Moroccan businessman, Mohamed Tazi, and the Breton entrepreneur, Jean-Marie Le Gall. The Moroccan has also created with the Frenchman Pierrick Puech the Idyl group, specialized in the export of tomatoes to France.

The Moroccan authorities have filed complaints for the destruction of their tomato shipments in France and Spain. It remains to be seen whether these lawsuits will prosper. "Instead of waging war against importer X or Y, they should attack the difference in prices between what is given to the producer and what is billed to the consumer. The real culprits are the supermarkets, not us," assure professionals from Agadir. One thing is certain, the Moroccan tomato is not in the wind in Europe. Faced with this situation, added to the water shortage and repeated virus infections, some Moroccan exporters recommend turning to Russia.