Spain: ACP banana imports increased 19%

Tholen - The Spanish minister of Agriculture Elena Espinosa stressed the favourable consequences of the European banana import tariff for Spain and other European banana growing countries during a press conference. According to figures from several ACP countries it can be concluded that the imports from these territories have increased with 19% in 2006, while the difference shown for dollar countries is less significant, according to Espinosa.

Also present at the conference were Leopoldo Cologán of the European Association of Banana Growers APEB and Manuel Lorenzo of Canary Banana Grower Association Asprocan. According to Lorenzo it is striking that while Spain accounts for almost half the European production of bananas, it consumes only 16% of the European consumption.

The minister also uttered her confidence in the Canary government concerning the preparations of a proposal for the distribution of European banana subsidies, as the government has all the necessary capacities.

Publication date: January 11 2007
Author: André van der Wiel
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