Tensions are not easing between Moroccan and Spanish tomato growers. The latest development is a statement by an official of the Spanish organization COAG (Coordinadora de Organizaciones de Agricultores y Ganaderos), announcing his intention to take legal action against importers of Moroccan tomatoes for tax fraud. This development follows the decision of the European Court of Justice to invalidate the agricultural agreements between the European Union and Morocco.
COAG's announcement has sparked reactions in Morocco. Lahoucine Aderdour, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation for Fruit and Vegetable Production and Export says, "We heard about this communication in the press, but haven't seen anything official. This is nothing new, and not surprising. Spanish growers have been trying for years to hinder Moroccan exports, without success. So far, there's been no legal action, but if it happens, we'll respond in kind."
According to the Moroccan executive, such legal action is unlikely to succeed. He adds, "The aim behind this action is blatantly obvious, and that is to obtain more subsidies. I don't see the Spanish justice giving in to the sabotage of trade relations between Morocco and Europe and being instrumentalized in the tug-of-war between Spanish growers and their government or the European Commission. I can say with confidence that this threat raises no concerns."
"Negotiations are still underway between Morocco and the European Union to come up with new agricultural and fisheries agreements. Meanwhile, Moroccan tomato exports to Europe continue uninterrupted," Aderdour continues.
In the same context of the European Court of Justice ruling, tomatoes from the Moroccan Sahara are to be labeled as such, something that Aderdour rejects outright: "What our colleagues in Spain and Europe need to understand is that for us, the cause of the Moroccan Sahara goes beyond personal interests and the question of tomatoes. We will never accept to label tomatoes grown in the Sahara as anything other than made in Morocco."
For more information:
Lahoucine Aderdour
Moroccan Interprofessional Federation for Fruit and Vegetable Production and Export
Tel: +212 5282-29917