Brussels, 22/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 17 April, the association “Coordination rurale” (France) expressed its “concern” at the risk of opening up the Community market to Moroccan fruit and vegetables in the context of the negotiations for a deep and comprehensive fair-trade agreement (DCFTA).
The organisation reiterates that it is “still opposed to this free-trade agreement, which would be a lose-lose situation for Moroccan and European farmers alike” (our translation throughout). It believes that one of the effects of the agreement would be to “reduce the price for produce” on both sides. The union welcomes the decision of the Council of Ministers (on 14 April) modifying the rules on access to the Community market. This “positive perspective” may “considerably reduce exports of fruit and vegetables (from Morocco) to Europe”. The measure, which will have the effect of “increasing prices of fruit and vegetables entering the European market, including those coming from Morocco”, is therefore welcomed. Coordination rurale “remains vigilant and hopes that this is not just an announcement affecting the run-up to the European elections”. (FB)