Spain: Egyptian potatoes threaten the Alicante sector

The import of potatoes from Egypt, managed through the Port of Alicante, could have serious consequences for the agricultural sector in Alicante. This decision mainly affects the regions of Vega Baja, Elche and Alto Vinalopó, where potato cultivation has a long tradition. With two productive seasons a year - early potatoes, available from March to May, and the winter season, known as "verdete", harvested between December and February - Alicante produces fresh potatoes practically all year round. This situation, according to ASAJA Alicante, makes it unnecessary to import this product from third countries with less demanding phytosanitary standards. The agricultural organisation warns that the measure encourages unfair competition and violates the principle of community preference, which prioritises products from Member States of the European Union over those from third countries. In addition, ASAJA highlights that, in a context of water uncertainty aggravated by the restrictions ...