French and European Farmers Launch Campaign to Clarify Tomato Origin and Demand Review of Agreement with Morocco

Major agricultural organizations representing the tomato production sector in five European countries—France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Poland—have launched a major communication campaign under the slogan "We Tomato Europe." The campaign aims to raise awareness among consumers and decision-makers regarding the strategic importance of this crop, as well as the economic and professional challenges facing local growers in French and European markets.

Increasing Pressures and Complex Competition

European tomato farmers warned that the continuous rise in imports from non-EU countries creates uneven and unfair competition. They stressed that farms within the European Union are subject to the world's most stringent standards in labor practices, environmental protection, and phytosanitary safety.

The campaign emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding the continuity of European production as a cornerstone of food security and a key pillar for sustaining employment and economic development across numerous agricultural regions.

Demands for Transparency and Review of Trade Relations

In their joint statement, the participating organizations demanded strict compliance with the rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding Western Sahara, along with a review of the existing trade framework with Morocco to guarantee fair competition. They also urged Members of the European Parliament to vote against amending the EU-Morocco agreement when it is presented to them for consent.

Their list of demands also includes mandating clear country-of-origin labeling on products displayed in markets to enable informed consumer choices, triggering safeguard clauses if imports cause severe market disruptions, stepping up border sanitary inspections, and applying the principle of reciprocity regarding environmental and labor standards.

Call to Action and Participating Alliances

Through its digital platform, the campaign called on citizens, consumers, associations, and institutions to sign the manifesto and support a production model rooted in quality, sustainability, and transparency. Sector representatives had previously agreed during the latest "Fruit Attraction" trade fair to expand the outreach of their campaign across social media and within European political and institutional circles.

Participating in this initiative from the French side is the National Association of Tomato and Cucumber Producer Organizations (AOPn), alongside prominent Spanish organizations such as Asaja, COAG, UPA, Fepex, and Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias, in addition to professional bodies from Italy and Portugal.