La Asociación Nacional de Comercializadores y Productores de Ajo (ANPCA) has called for urgent measures to halt the loss of profitability in the sector, highlighting the need to update the specific tariff to imports of China and increase the availability of plant protection productsDuring its XXIII General Assembly in Las Pedroñeras, CuencaThe entity indicated that current European policy compromises the viability of purple garlic.
Productivity crisis and phytosanitary pressure
La ANPCA has reported a sustained drop in yields per hectare, particularly affecting purple garlic, the flagship variety of the Spanish countryside for its quality and added value. This situation stems directly from the regulations of the Unión Europea, which have eliminated crucial active ingredients for combating pests in the critical months of May, June and July.
The use of current alternatives is not only ineffective compared to previous tools, but has also led to a increased production costsAs the volume of harvested kilos decreases, the economic impact per unit multiplies, forcing many farmers to replace purple garlic with early varieties, which represents a clear strategic setback for the Spanish garlic brand.
Tariff imbalance and unfair competition
In the area of foreign trade, the loss of competitiveness is exacerbated by the ineffectiveness of the specific tariff applied to garlic from ChinaThis tax, set at €1.200/tonIt has not been updated since 2001. After 25 years of inflation in the eurozone, its protective capacity has eroded, allowing entry prices to systematically fall below EU production costs, a problem that also extends to imports of Egipto.
| Concept / Measure | Current State / Value | Impact on the Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Specific tariff for garlic China | €1.200/ton | Outdated since 2001; insufficient to keep up with inflation. |
| Plant protection actives | Reduction by regulation UE | Increased costs and decreased yield per hectare. |
| Agricultural Insurance (Line 330) | Pending reform | Mismatch with mechanized harvesting systems. |
President of ANPCA, Juan Salvador PeregrínHe emphasized the vulnerability of the local producer: «El sector no puede seguir afrontando en solitario el coste de unas políticas que lo dejan en manifiesta desventaja competitiva frente a países terceros que no están sujetos a las mismas exigencias medioambientales, fitosanitarias ni sociales».
Towards a reform of agricultural insurance
In addition to trade policy, the association —integrated into FEPEX— focuses on the Line 330 de AgroseguroAccording to the organization's vice president, Antonio EscuderoThe current insurance policy does not cover the advances in mechanized harvestingTherefore, they will present a technical study to ENESA y Agroseguro to adapt the coverings to the technological reality of the crop.
The organization's main demands can be summarized as follows:
- Reform of the Community plant health policy and harmonisation of authorisations in the UE.
- Urgent update of the specific tariff for garlic China.
- Greater control over imports from Egipto.
- Modernization of agricultural insurance coverage to include mechanized processes.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the garlic sector
Why is the tariff on Chinese garlic currently ineffective?
Because its value of €1.200/ton has not changed since 2001. Accumulated inflation has reduced the protective power of this tariff, allowing imported products to enter the country at prices below production costs. España.
How does EU plant health policy affect purple garlic?
The ban on several active ingredients leaves the crop without effective protection against pests in spring and summer. This reduces yield per hectare and increases costs, causing farmers to abandon this high-quality variety.
What changes are proposed for agricultural insurance for garlic?
La ANPCA proposes updating Line 330 of Agroseguro to properly incorporate the new mechanized collection systems, thus ensuring effective protection that is currently nonexistent for these processes.
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