Many European farmers are expressing frustration over measures they perceive as threatening their livelihoods. Meanwhile, Moroccan farmers face their own challenges, with blockages and even destruction of their goods on French roads. Lahoucine Aderdour, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation for the production and export of Fruits and Vegetables (FIFEL), laments the sight of cargo rotting on the roads, but assures farmers that insurance will cover their losses.
Moroccan tomatoes, which grow year-round, have become symbolic of out-of-season vegetable consumption. Despite different production costs, Moroccan tomatoes remain competitive, with the country ranking as the third largest exporter worldwide. Last year, exports hit a record 716,000 tonnes, half destined for the French market. However, Morocco is seeking to diversify, doubling its number of importing countries in the last five years.
Other countries like the UK, the Netherlands, Russia, and South Korea are also showing interest in Moroccan tomatoes. This summer, China concluded an agricultural agreement with Morocco, opening up new markets for the North African country.
Source: actualnewsmagazine.com