THE COUNTRY THAT BENEFITS FROM THE LOSS IS MOROCCO.

Spanish tomato exports have suffered a drop of 18% during the first semester of 2009, staying in 568.588 tons of fruit exported according to FEPEX that, warns about the situation as a reflection of the general collapse in the fruit and vegetable sector.

According to the Federation of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables, This situation shows, Once again, the need to adopt specific measures in this sector to maintain profitability and its viability and competitiveness.

Spanish horticultural exports as a whole have decreased by 7,7% in the first half of the year. The sector is losing steam and losing ground in European markets in favor of competition from other countries, especially from Morocco.

This situation is particularly noticeable in the case of tomatoes., which is a constant source of controversy among Spanish producers and marketers regarding Alawite production., that enters the EU beyond the quotas and assigned prices. FEPEX adds that this only translates into more unemployment.

Paradoxically, while Spanish horticultural sales abroad decline, Imports of these products also increase by a 10% during the first semester. And they grow because the price is lower.

To the big question of why this fact, Spanish producers denounce, without having much result, that the EU does not make third countries that it buys respect the same phytosanitary requirements, labor and environmental, among others, that imposes on European producers.