Brussels, 06/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Thursday 5 May, the European parliamentary delegation for relations with the Maghreb examined the situation of Moroccan agriculture and the role that the EU plays in its development.
Meeting under the chairmanship of Cristian Preda (EPP, Romania), the delegation heard a presentation by the European Commission representative and an expert in Moroccan farming, Philippe Staatsen. The former took stock of the general state of Euro-Moroccan cooperation and the expectations that remain in implementation of the “advanced status”, and highlighted the interest in the reforms announced in March by King Mohamed VI. He also gave details of the various components of bilateral cooperation with this country, in particular in support of its “green plan” for agricultural development and that aimed at propping up regional policy. Preda announced he will soon be producing a report on this subject, in conjunction with his Moroccan parliamentary counterpart. The Commission representative also pointed out that the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement cannot be approved until it has the go-ahead of the European Parliament.
In his speech, the guest specialist played down the importance of the agricultural threat that could come from Morocco, a threat that has been exaggerated by European agricultural circles and MEPs like José Bové (Greens/EFA, France), he said. In response to questions raised by Vincent Peillon (S&D, France), Ines Ayala Sender (S&D, Spain) and Malika Ben Arab Attou (Greens/EFA, France), he said that the essential part of Moroccan production finds an outlet on the national market but that the EU's share in Moroccan exports is large, while the essential component of imports (cereals especially) comes from the United States. He also indicated that Moroccan agriculture is becoming poorer due to the weakening of traditional farming and medium and small-sized farms. The EU seems to encourage the trend towards the emergence of farms that are highly productive at the risk of this having a considerable social and environmental impact (reduction of ground water). Also, paradoxically, the policy of decentralisation announced by Morocco seems to have the opposite effect by focusing decision-making and guidance authority at an intermediary level of state structures to the detriment of basic local authorities. (F.B./transl.jl)