Citrus Growers in Andalusia and Morocco have reached an agreement aimed at bringing about economic co-operation and partnerships while reducing competition between them.
Al-Andalus Citrus has been set up under the auspices of EU regulation, the Moroccan national government and the Andalusia regional executive.
Through Al-Andalus Citrus, producers hope to achieve co-operation on a governmental as well as institutional level through closer ties between Spain’s Intercitrus professional body and the citrus producers’ association of Morocco, Aspam, for example. Growers and exporters also hope to improve their position on export markets.
Andalusia farm minister Isaías Pérez Saldaña envisages technology transfer between countries and the establishment of a business forum that will address issues such as quality, certification, financing and legislation in the sector. The aim of the forum is ultimately to increase profitability in citrus production on both sides of the Gibraltar Strait.
