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Agriculture

Spanish Farmers Advocate for Involvement in Inspections of Moroccan Produce

Monday 04 March 2024 - 11:16

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Tensions are escalating over agricultural imports from Morocco as Spain's largest farmers' union calls for inclusion in border checks. The Union de Uniones agricultural syndicate asserts that independent inspections are necessary to instill confidence in consumers and domestic producers regarding product safety.

Reports suggest that the union has lost faith in the Spanish government's ability to safeguard citizens against potential "toxic residues" that could contaminate crops entering from Morocco. They allege that imported goods often fail to meet European Union phytosanitary standards aimed at minimizing health and environmental risks.

If granted oversight, the syndicate pledges to conduct responsible screening of goods "with the wellbeing of Spanish families in mind." However, their demands could strain diplomatic relations with a crucial trade partner. Bilateral agricultural trade has flourished in recent years under E.U. quotas and regulatory agreements.

In response, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has defended the kingdom's adherence to standards. He emphasized that stringent terms were negotiated to secure access to European markets. While advocating for transparency, Bourita stressed that scrutiny should not undermine beneficial economic ties or depict the E.U. border as permeable.

As farmer dissatisfaction mounts, authorities are under pressure to address safety concerns without jeopardizing a significant political relationship or impeding commerce amid uncertain economic conditions. The manner in which they navigate these priorities could shape the future of Spanish-Moroccan agricultural collaboration.