EU defends Spanish tomato growers. - European Union EU - Brief Article

Eurofood, Sept 27, 2001

The European Commission has jumped to the aid of Spanish tomato farmers, faced with cheap imports from across the Mediterranean during the most prolific tomato marketing season in the hot, southern countries.

During negotiations in the Moroccan capital Rabat, senior farm policy civil servants from both sides agreed on measures to spread out Moroccan tomato imports over a longer time.

The North African country has had difficulty sticking to monthly limits aimed at keeping trade in the fruit in check. It has now renewed promises to obey the monthly ceilings, but as a result of this week's talks saw their six month 150 000 tonne winter import quota stretched more thinly over an extra two months.

The quota, which previously ran from October 1 to the end of March will now extend until the end of May. The 150 000t form the bulk of an annual 168 000t limit on Moroccan tomato trade into the EU.

However, while protecting the Spanish farmers, Dutch and Belgian tomato growers fear extending the generous winter quota another two months will boost imports during the early summer, when their products traditionally hit the market.