European fruit and vegetable producers have agreed to request emergency support from the EU under the terms of the common market organisation in a bid to limit the damage caused by severe downward pressure on prices in the market this summer.
The measures, similar to those given to producers of cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and courgettes in the wake of the 2011 E coli crisis, would in theory apply to any company, not just producer organisations, allowing them to claim compensation for product removed from the market.
According to Catalan association Afrucat, which was closely involved in the Istanbul discussion, the price of withdrawal would also be significantly higher and volumes permitted would be unlimited if such extraordinary measures were approved.
For stonefruit, the withdrawal price would increase from 13.45 euro cents per kilo to between €0.30/kg and €0.40/kg.
Afrucat also recommended that such short-term measures be supported by other longer-term actions such as promoting consumption in the European market and the promotion of exports outside the EU.
