The two countries are reportedly close to reaching a bilateral agreement to guarantee fair competition on the French tomato market following a spate of violent attacks on trucks carrying Moroccan produce
Tomato producers in France and Morocco are ready to sign a bilateral agreement to regulate tomato seasonality and ensure fair competition on the French market, according to Réussir.
French producers have complained about the arrival of cheaper Moroccan tomatoes at the start of France’s season.
“These tomatoes are now appearing on French shelves at the beginning of the French season at prices that French producers simply cannot compete with,” Réussir stated.
The deal is expected to be signed in mid-March, once a consensus has been reached to avoid an overlap of Moroccan and French cherry tomatoes during the beginning of the French season.
Producer representatives from both sides have met frequently following reports of European farmers attacking and destroying trucks loading Moroccan vegetables, including tomatoes, in countries such as France and Spain.
Moroccan ministers have hit back at accusations of “unfair competition”, with foreign affairs minister Nasser Bourita pointing out that the EU continues to have a “surplus with Morocco of around €600mn” in agricultural products, and a surplus of around €10bn in total trade.
“Trade agreements between Morocco and the European Union are based on strict standards, and they were carefully negotiated to achieve a balance between the interests of all parties,” he added.
