The action by French farmers on Friday targeting Moroccan tomatoes in supermarkets reflects continuing tensions over agricultural trade between Morocco and the EU. Far from being an isolated case, these actions raise thorny questions about the balance between protecting national interests and promoting free trade.
Farmers took action on Friday over labeling of Moroccan tomatoes in supermarkets in Agen, Rennes, Brest and Avignon to protest “unfair competition” from these products. In a press release from the Legumes de France organisation, a specialized association of the FNSEA, French producers described the situation as “supported by largely inactive customs agreements” and “legislation on information on the origin of fruits and vegetables which is largely inadequate”. Have condemned.
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On Friday morning about ten growers stuck “Morocco” stickers on tomatoes put up for sale at the Bon-Encontre Intermarché in the Agen region (Lot-et-Garonne). The operation aims to “raise consumer awareness and highlight French production” while the first French tomatoes are arriving on the market, says Nathalie Binda, a farmer from Lot-et-Garonne, who regrets that the cherry tomatoes are being sold in the market. The origin is marked in “very small letters” on the side of the tray.
Jonas Hollar, a tomato grower in this southwestern department often presented as the “Orchard of France”, cites the very low cost of Moroccan labor and the use of pesticides banned in France “for more than thirty years”. Hui, condemns “unfair competition”. , According to a spokesman for France’s organization of tomatoes, cucumbers and vegetables, about twenty farmers took similar action in Brest.
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About ten other people also stuck orange “Origin Morocco” labels on punnets of cherry tomatoes in two supermarkets in the metropolis of Rennes. “We also condemn this free trade agreement between Europe and Morocco, thanks to which it can export tomatoes to Europe without any customs duties,” said Ronan Collet, president of the vegetable section of FDSEA 35.
a complex debate with many issues
Central to the demands is the Association Agreement between Morocco and the European Union, which came into force in 2000. It provides for progressive liberalization of trade, including customs duty exemptions on seasonal agricultural products. Morocco has thus been able to develop its exports of fresh fruits and vegetables, benefiting from comparative advantages associated with climate and production costs. If this agreement makes it possible to increase outlets for Moroccan exports, especially fruits and vegetables, it also causes upheaval in some European sectors, such as tomatoes. But the trade also benefits the EU, which has a 10 billion euro trade surplus with the Kingdom.
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From an economic perspective, free trade agreements aim to encourage trade by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. For Morocco, access to the vast European market represents an opportunity for growth and valuable foreign exchange. The market horticulture sector, which is the leader of national agricultural exports, has benefited significantly.
However, on the European side, this increased opening of borders is considered by some producers as a threat to their competitiveness. Higher production costs, including labor and stricter environmental regulations, will penalize their competitiveness against imports from third countries.
Health Compliance and Quality
Criticisms leveled against Morocco by French farmers, citing the use of banned pesticides and cheap labor, raise legitimate questions about production standards. However, it is important to live up to these allegations.
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“Morocco has a rigorous regulatory framework for food safety, which is in line with international standards. Exports to the EU are subject to strict controls in terms of both production and phytosanitary certification. This means that non-compliance with European rules will result in serious trade sanctions,” comments one analyst. The Moroccan government has also reaffirmed its desire to protect these exports, which are vital to the national economy, as Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita said in late February.
Distortions of competition and protectionism
At the social level, although wage costs are lower than in Europe, Morocco has ratified the fundamental conventions of the International Labor Organization and has a labor code governing employment conditions. Therefore allegations of “unfair competition” are merited. Furthermore, differences in labor costs with European countries already existed when the free trade agreement was signed and reflect the comparative advantage of each partner.
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Accusing Morocco of “unfair competition” is therefore a form of disguised protectionism, which is contrary to the principles of free trade. This rhetoric seems to be motivated by the desire of some French players to limit competition in an already extremely competitive market.
Beyond these technical considerations, the debate raises complex political and ideological issues. On the one hand, supporters of protectionism advocate the protection of national interests, food sovereignty, and the defense of the European agricultural model. On the other hand, supporters of free trade highlight the benefits of specialization, competitiveness, and openness in international markets.
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Beyond purely commercial aspects, Morocco condemns a disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of its agricultural exports. Calls for boycotts and strikes against Moroccan agricultural exports to Europe reflect these abuses. COMADER has already announced the filing of a complaint in the Spanish courts to assert its rights.
Constructive negotiations are necessary to reduce these tensions and preserve the mutual benefits of the trade agreement. “Morocco should continue its efforts to bring it up to standard while enforcing its export rights. The EU must also fight against protectionist excesses and respect its commitments. Better information for consumers about the origin of products, as French farmers are demanding, could also contribute to healthy competition,” responds our analyst.