Spanish citrus sector lags behind Italy
in distribution of European subsidies

Tholen - Spanish citrus growers are discontent with the distribution of European subsidies for the fruit and vegetable sector as they are proposed for the new Common Market Organisation. In this proposal, Italian citrus growers will receive 800 euro per hectare, while Greek citrus growers receive 600 euro per hectare, compared to 300 euro per hectare in Spain, which is the first producer in Europe.

As Greece and Italy destined much citrus for the processing industry, with support of subsidies, this now results in a claim on subsidies which the CMO reform converts into an indefinite right on subsidies. Greece also is to receive 3600 euro per hectare for the production of raisin grapes.

Publication date: January 31 2007
Author: André van der Wiel
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