The export of Moroccan tomatoes to the EU is raising concerns among European industry stakeholders. «They quietly united over the summer to oppose the import of tomatoes grown in Morocco and Western Sahara, which they view as unfair competition», reports Africa Intelligence on Tuesday. This «general mobilization of producers», according to the outlet, comes just weeks before European Court of Justice (ECJ) rulings take effect on October 4, excluding products from Western Sahara from EU–Morocco trade agreements. The movement began in July in Spain, when the Spanish Federation of Consumers and Users (CECU) and the Coordination of Farmers and Livestock Organizations (COAG) filed a joint complaint with the Ministry of Social Rights' Directorate General of Consumption. They denounced an alleged «non-compliance with labeling regulations for cherry tomatoes sold in Spanish supermarkets» that were produced in the Sahara. This was preceded by a request from Carmen Crespo, MEP for the Popular Party, who called for a review of «the trade agreement between the European Union and Morocco». Spanish agricultural groups had also threatened to take legal action against Moroccan tomato imports, accusing them of «exceeding quotas» and demanding clear labeling for products originating from the Sahara. To recall, the ECJ ruled on October 4, 2024, that melons and tomatoes harvested in Western Sahara must be labeled as such. The Court clarified that «the indication of the country of origin that must appear on the melons and tomatoes in question can only designate Western Sahara, as these products are harvested in that territory. This territory is distinct from that of Morocco and constitutes a customs territory within the meaning of Union law». On September 10, the European Union will review, at the ambassadorial level, a draft revision of its agreements with Morocco.
