A bilateral agreement between Moroccan and French tomato producers is anticipated in mid-March to regulate Moroccan cherry tomatoes in the French market. The agreement seeks to address competition with local production at the start of the French season.
Previously, Moroccan tomatoes complemented French supply during the off-season. However, with advancements in greenhouse production in southern Morocco and an increase in cherry tomato production, the market balance has shifted.
Due to lower production costs from cheaper labor and desalinated seawater irrigation, Moroccan cherry tomatoes now enter the French market early in the season at more competitive prices than local products, leading to sector tensions.
Ongoing discussions have established a basis for compromise. Initiated by both countries' agriculture ministries, the French-Moroccan joint committee on fruits and vegetables, inactive since 2019, was reactivated during the French president's visit to Rabat last October.
Subsequent meetings between producer representatives occurred at the Meknès Agricultural Fair in April 2024 and the Paris Agricultural Fair in February 2025. The agreement will formalize commitments regarding the seasonality of Moroccan imports.
This rapprochement follows Morocco's participation in several agricultural events in France, including as a guest at the Agricultural Fair and the Medfel Fair, scheduled for April 23-24 in Perpignan. This development indicates improved economic relations between Paris and Rabat after a period of diplomatic tensions.
Source: Yabiladi