The organization ES Andalucía is joining the protests of the agricultural sector called for November 19 in Almeria. According to the entity, the unsustainable situation of Almeria's horticultural sector is due, in large part, to the growth of imports of the main vegetables in Andalusia. The organization reports that this Spanish region imported over 42,200 tons of tomatoes (22% more than the average for that period), more than 26,000 tons of peppers (twice the average of the last five years) and more than 13,500 tons of zucchini (40% more than average). Also noteworthy were the 6,100 tons of cucumber (20% more than the average of the last five years) and more than 314 tons of eggplant (34% more than the average for that period).
Morocco accounts for more than 70%
Andalusia's main supplier of fruits and vegetables is Morocco, which accounts for over 70% of the total. ES Andalusia warns that the volume has doubled in the last five years, from 32,400 tons in 2013 to 62,100 tons in 2018.
For all these reasons, ES Andalucía has asked for "control measures to prevent unfair competition from third countries which have lower labor costs and more lenient quality requirements." They are also asking for the establishment of a specific crisis management fund for the entire sector and for the regulation of the commercial impositions of the major European chains and supermarkets.
Source: sevilla.abc.es