EU: Resistance against free trade agreement with Morocco

Lobbyists from Southern Europe resist a free trade agreement for the free trade in agricultural products of the European Union with Morocco. This agreement was accepted by the Moroccan Parliament in December 2010 and has been waiting for ratification by the European Union since then and is blocked especially by Spanish producers and exporters.

Spain accuses Morocco of domination of the market. "This is completely wrong" Hassan Lyoussi, chairman of Aspam says. "It is only a small part of the market, which is occupied by Morocco. For instance, look at tomatoes, which are only 2%

(350,000 tons) of the total production of the E.U. Also Morocco have to respect the quota determined by the European Union and Morocco is only allowed to export products during certain periods. With this Europe want to protect the markets of third countries like Morocco.

Also Spanish producers accuse Moroccan agriculturists of dishonest competition as far as crop protection means are concerned. Fruit and vegetables from Morocco meant for exterior markets such as Europe are subject to strict controls. These are carried out by official Moroccan organisations, such as Onnsa and Eacce. In addition it became apparent from an inspection report, that the regulations SET by the European Union are being respected by Morocco as far as the use of pesticides is concerned.

Morocco which also imports goods from Europe, such as grain- and milk products and agricultural material also mentions, that the trade balance as far as agriculture is concerned, shows a surplus in favour of Europe.

The export volume of Moroccan citrus amounted to 529,000 tons in the 2010-2011 season, 50% of which went to Russia and 30% to the European Union, (which is 3.2% of the total consumption in the European Union). The remaining 20% is divided over the North American market, European countries which are not members of the EU and some countries in the Gulf. Furthermore there is 729,000 tons of early fruit and vegetables, 97% of which went to the EU.