Moroccan farmers resort to justice to the problem of tomato.

A MOROCCAN AND ANOTHER EUROPEAN DELEGATION MEET YESTERDAY IN BRUSSELS TO DEBATE THE ISSUE.

The Moroccan Federation of production and export of fruits and vegetables threatens to resort to Justice if the European Union does not present a valid offer that preserves its benefits, following the decision to modify the price system for access to third countries for certain vegetables, and mainly the tomato.

“We try not to go to a higher level and we want to find an amicable solution, But if we do not do so we will be forced to use other means that include the legal process.", explained Omar Mounir, vice president of the Moroccan Federation of fruit and vegetable production and export, APEFEL.

In April, the European Commission modified the access prices for products from third countries, a reform that will come into force in October and that according to the Moroccan Government will mean the loss of 30.000 jobs and 130.000 tons that cannot be exported, figure that the union association increases to 150.000 tons.

Professionals in the sector in Morocco have shown complete disagreement with the measure from the beginning., and one of the complaints that they constantly reiterate is that the EU did not inform Rabat of the new measure at any time..

“We need to preserve our interests and, although we know that the decision cannot be annulled, “The EU must find a formula to preserve Moroccan benefits”, Mounir sentenced.

A Moroccan and another European delegation met yesterday in Brussels to discuss this issue that has led Morocco, in a parallel plane, to delay the ratification of the fisheries agreement with the EU, despite the fact that at an official level it is denied that it is linked.

About yesterday's meeting, Mounir said he was unaware of the conclusions reached and Moroccan agricultural operators do not know if negotiations continue in Brussels today..

The delay in ratifying the fishing agreement is causing 126 european ships, mostly Spanish, are waiting to be able to go out to work. A period of forced unemployment that has lasted more than two years.