Spain: The tomato, cornered by imports and phytosanitary products

The article highlights the significant challenges faced by Spanish tomato producers, with the industry in decline due to increased extra-community imports, particularly from Morocco, and the impact of European Union legislation on phytosanitary products. The meeting by the tomato contact group from France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain in Piré-Rennes pointed out the negative effects of these factors on community production, especially in the UK market. In response, the group is seeking emergency aid from the European Commission and has called for the proposed regulations on phytosanitary products and packaging to be withdrawn due to their negative sustainability and marketing impacts. The forecast for the summer tomato campaign shows a 5% decrease in production, primarily due to lower yields.