The spread of the false moth to citrus production due to imports from Morocco would cause average losses of 26%

Socialist MEP Clara Aguilera, member of the Agriculture Committee in the European Parliament, has asked the European Commission to take action following the first interception of the false moth pest (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in a shipment of pomegranates from Morocco, verified by the Commission itself last November. In a written question addressed to the Community Executive, Aguilera maintains that this type of moth devastatingly affects dozens of crops and tree species. "Its entry and spread in the EU would cause average losses of 26% in citrus production," says Aguilera. Likewise, it causes serious damage to other crops such as stone fruits, apples, pears, avocados, vines, olives, persimmons, pomegranates, peppers, tomatoes or eggplants, as well as roses and oaks. The MEP warns the Commission that, given "the numerous fruit and vegetable exports that Morocco sends to the EU, especially through Spain, there is a high risk of introduction and spread of the pest to all productions ...