The European Commission is currently negotiating the renewal of the association agreement with Morocco. In the context of the negotiations underway, Morocco is asking in particular for the entry price system for fresh fruit and vegetables to be removed and for an increase in the
import quotas of fruit and vegetables entering Europe.
According to Pekka Pesonen, Secretary General of Copa-Cogeca, the entry price system applicable to fresh fruit and vegetables imports coming into the EU cannot be called into question.

“Before contemplating any increase in quotas for sensitive products from Morocco such as tomatoes, peppers, melons and oranges, the European Commission must study the socioeconomic impact that this would have on traditional production areas of the EU,” he added.

“It is very important to retain the current modalities relating to tomato import quotas which regulate their importation into the EU on a monthly basis,” he reiterated.
“Within the EU, fruit and vegetable producers have to respect the highest standards in the world on environmental protection, working conditions and food security,” concluded Pekka Pesonen.

For further information, please contact:
Dominique Dejonckheere
Senior Policy Advisor
Tel.: +32 2 287 27 30
dominique.dejonckheere@copa-cogeca.eu

Simon Michel-Berger
Press Officer
Mobile: + 32 474 840 836
simon.michel-berger@copa-cogeca.eu