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Spain: Report accuses major veg producer of severe environmental damage

According to research by the ARD policy magazine "Report Mainz" one of Europe's biggest suppliers of fruit and vegetables is said to be responsible for severe environmental damage in the Murcia region. According to the Murcia prosecutor's announcement, exclusive to "Report Mainz", some 40 farmers, public officials and agricultural companies are suspected of using illegal methods to extract water and sanitize it unauthorized desalination plants - one of the companies named is G's España. The company is one of the largest vegetable suppliers in Europe and supplies, among others, Rewe, Edeka, Lidl and Aldi-Süd.

According to the report the prosecution found hidden supply lines, highly concentrated nitrate-containing wastewater and other environmental toxins from agriculture in the Mar Menor lake. The prosecutor's office states that the illegal methods of farmers are to blame for the serious damage to the flora and fauna in the lake.

In an exclusive interview with "Report Mainz," prosecutor José Luis Díaz Manzanera states that police investigations have uncovered illegal practices that classify the prosecutor as a "serious crime against the environment," punishable by up to five years imprisonment stand. "Report Mainz" has said it traced the supply chain of lettuce, celery and other vegetables from Spain to the German retail sector. During test purchases, SWR reporters found products from the accused provider at Rewe, Edeka, Lidl and Aldi-Süd.

According to Pedro Alfonso Garre, spokesman for G's Espana, the company no longer uses the desalination plant in question."Two years ago we closed off our desalination plant and have not used it again. We actually stopped using it ahead of the regional government shutting off the pipeline, so we were in fact being proactive in stopping the use of the plant."

G's also under went a GlobalGap audit on Monday concerning water usage, "We don't as yet have the final report," explains Pedro, "but as far as the audit went, no issues arose." 

“The concerns are limted to one farm we manage, an area accounting for no more than 2% of our water usage”, added Adam Hill Commercial Manager for G's Europe. "There are many companies affected by the situation”. 

G's continues to use water from its other sources, such as a community water supply which is used for agriculture in the area.