Spanish tomatoes, between the glory of Fruit Attraction and the threat of the EU-Morocco Agreement

 

The agreement, officially made public recently and provisionally effective, will consolidate the increase in Exports from Morocco and the Sahara to the European UnionThis measure is being implemented despite the proven negative consequences that, according to the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables (FEPEX), the community sector is already suffering.

 

Worrying Figures and Unfair Competition

 

FEPEX's concern is based on data. Moroccan competition has caused Spanish tomato exports to the EU (excluding the United Kingdom) to have decreased by 25% in the last decade, rising from 786.599 tonnes in 2014 to 591.098 tonnes in 2024. In contrast, EU imports from Morocco have experienced a 42% growth in the same period, reaching 491.908 tons in 2023.

 

The new pact, which extends tariff advantages to products from the Sahara, is seen by FEPEX as a validation of the strong increase in Moroccan and Sahrawi exports. The Federation reiterates that the community sector is forced to compete in a situation of clear unfair competition, since Moroccan production is not subject to the same quality, environmental, and phytosanitary requirements that apply to EU producers.

 

FEPEX demands the European Parliament The Federation rejects the final approval of the agreement, despite its provisional entry into force on October 3. The Federation criticizes the lack of transparency in the negotiations and demands explanations from the European Commission for supporting a pact that "ignores the essence of the two rulings of the Court of Justice of the EU of October 4, 2024" and that, moreover, will exacerbate the harm to EU production.

 

Tribute and Recognition at Fruit Attraction

 

The context of this alarm contrasts with the celebration experienced at Fruit Attraction 2025, where the tomato was the central theme. One of the most emotional moments was the presentation of the Tomato Awards 2025 On October 1st, a tribute to the excellence, effort and passion of the sector.

 

The most notable awards, the Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognized the work of historical figures who have promoted production and export, including:

• José Hernández Navarro (former president of Proexport and current president of Grupo Hortofrutícola Paloma).

• Jacinto Godoy González (pioneer of agricultural cooperativism in the Canary Islands).

• Jorge F. Brotóns (former president of FEPEX and current CEO of Bonnysa Agroalimentaria).

• Juan Colomina (former manager of Coexphal).

• José María Pozancos (former director of FEPEX).

 

Choosing the tomato as the 'Star Product' helped to highlight its importance as the main vegetable exported by Spain for years and as an essential driver of national horticultural activity, a leadership that now hangs in the balance due to community decisions.