Discontent is still simmering between European and Moroccan farmers as protests erupted this week along the French-Spanish border.
European farmers accuse their Moroccan counterparts of unfair competition, leading to blockades targeting trucks carrying Moroccan produce.
Youssef Alaoui, the secretary general of the Moroccan Confederation of Agriculture (COMADER), vehemently denied these claims in an interview with Francetvinfo, citing key factors that contribute to Morocco’s cost advantage.
European farmers allege that Moroccan fruits and vegetables, particularly cherry tomatoes, are undercutting their market due to lax regulations and lower labor costs in Morocco.
Alaoui vehemently refutes these accusations, saying that Moroccan produce adheres to all European health and environmental standards. He emphasizes that clear labeling ensures consumers are fully aware of the origin of their purchases.
The secretary general attributes the price disparity to Morocco’s distinct climate and resource management.
Morocco’s year-round sunshine allows for continuous production, unlike European winters that hinder agricultural activity. Strategically placed desalination plants provide a reliable water source, overcoming limitations faced by some European regions.
These factors, according to Alaoui, contribute to Morocco’s superior productivity, particularly during the winter months, ultimately leading to lower production costs.
Another contentious point concerns labor costs. European farmers argue that Morocco’s lower minimum wage gives them an unfair advantage.
Alaoui acknowledged the existence of a minimum wage and social security system in Morocco, but explained that these are established in accordance with the country’s living standards. He pointed to the minimum wage disparity across Europe, arguing against a one-size-fits-all approach.
The secretary-general said that the recent incidents of European farmers targeting Moroccan trucks carrying produce are unacceptable, especially considering that the products meet all the required European standards. He further added that legal actions are underway in both France and Spain to address these disruptions.
While acknowledging the importance of the French market for Moroccan produce, Alaoui noted the mutually beneficial trade relationship between the two nations, ciiting France’s surplus in wheat exports to Morocco as an example.