Spain: Egyptian potatoes threaten the Alicante sector

Published 2024년 12월 19일

Tridge summary

The article highlights concerns regarding the import of potatoes from Egypt through the Port of Alicante, potentially negatively impacting the local agricultural sector in Alicante, particularly in the regions of Vega Baja, Elche, and Alto Vinalopó. The local agricultural organization, ASAJA Alicante, warns of unfair competition, a violation of the principle of community preference, and risks to the economic viability of local farms, especially with water uncertainty and the need for structural support against climate change. ASAJA plans to meet with the Port Authority to discuss these concerns and seek reconsideration of the import decision, citing past issues with the mass import of Egyptian pumpkins that led to significant economic losses for local farmers.

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Original content

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 ...

Source: Agrodigital