The crisis triggered by French farmers, which in recent days has extended to Belgium and even Portugal, is entering its most critical phase. Meanwhile, the European summit is being held in Brussels against a backdrop of riots. The situation created after a week of blockades and two weeks of protests in the neighboring country threatens to cause "irreparable damage" to the progress of the Spanish citrus campaign in just a few days. According to the president of the Citrus Management Committee (CGC), Inma Sanfeliu, the only short-term solution is to open a safe corridor to guarantee the transit of Spanish perishable products to their destinations. Sanfeliu called on Spanish and European authorities to take action. "The time for condemnation is over. We need to be strong, to take action to resolve this long episode of chaos, and to demand compensation for the millions in losses it has already caused."
The association recalled that the legislation of the neighboring country only recognizes the right to compensation in the event of destruction of goods (following an attack) and does not consider all losses caused by delays, alteration of fruit condition, or cancellation of orders, as well as tension in the supply chain, in sales and prices, and loss of business opportunities.
The CGC also regrets the dialectical escalation with which leading French politicians and journalists are addressing the conflict. The sector is facing serious damage caused by the delays in deliveries - which, depending on the destination, have gone from 5-8 hours on average to 15-20 hours - and in recent days it's had to deal with the "gratuitous, unfounded, and unacceptable disqualifications" uttered by certain national television channels and politicians. “Our citrus fruits are European, produced and packaged per EU legislation, which is the most demanding in the world in terms of phytosanitary, quality, labor, social, and environmental issues. The quality of the citrus fruit we market is audited and certified. Not only does it comply with EU standards but also with those of the large European distribution, which are even more demanding. Period. We are a Community product that complies with European food safety and sustainability standards. We offer a local quality fresh product, adjusted to the service, demands, deadlines, and packaging requirements demanded by large European distribution," Sanfeliu stressed.
"We understand the motivations of French producers. We believe that the Spanish citrus and fruit and vegetable sector is just as much a victim of the unacceptable environmental policies and uncontrolled commercial opening, without taking into account the principle of reciprocity, promoted by the EU. However, the European agricultural products are not the cause of the problems faced by European agriculture."
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