Following last week’s crisis meeting between minister of agriculture Bruno Le Maire and representatives of the fruit and vegetables sector, several measures have been announced to increase the competitiveness of the sector. However, many within the sector have revealed their disappointment at the inadequacy of such measures.
It was announced that export credits would be made available to producers from the end of September, a positive move, according to exporters, but one that would have aided the country’s apple producers considerably had it been introduced sooner.
With regard to France’s comparatively high hourly wages for seasonal workers, something that is seen as a huge blow to the country’s competitiveness, it has been agreed that a reduction is necessary, but no steps have yet been taken.
“We cannot continue to produce seasonal fruits and vegetables at €12 an hour when the tariff is €6 in Germany, €7 in Spain and €8 in Italy,” Mr Le Maire recently stated.
One solution envisaged is to return a portion of the 5.5 per cent VAT tax back to producers. However, following Brussels’ request for producers to reimburse the state for hundreds of millions of euros in aid, all concerned are being careful to ensure the solution is compatible with European agreements.
Mr Le Maire equally expressed his desire to move towards the harmonisation of European phytosanitary practices. Representatives will reportedly meet again at the end of October.
Speaking to Fruitnet.com, Daniel Corbel of French interprofessional organisation Interfel encapsulated the sector's frustration: “The needs of the sector are now evident and it has been confirmed that there are distortions of competition. However, between the potential ministerial propositions and their actual application, there are never any good surprises.”
