(3 Minutes Read)
Right-wing unions in France are preparing protests against Moroccan tomato imports during this week’s International Agricultural Show in Paris, where Morocco is the guest of honour. The protests, organized by Coordination Rurale, arose from increasing tensions over the surge in Moroccan tomato imports to European markets.
These unions are demanding an end to the EU-Morocco agreement that permits duty-free imports during Europe’s off-season, which they claim jeopardizes local farmers’ livelihoods. The protests have garnered considerable backing from far-right groups, including the Rassemblement National and Hélène Laporte, a prominent opponent of Moroccan tomato imports.
In recent years, Moroccan tomato imports have significantly increased due to lower prices, declining European production, and growing demand. According to FAOSTAT, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s statistical agency, Morocco’s tomato production rose by 17.36% from 2014 to 2023, from 1.23 million tonnes to 1.44 million tonnes. In 2023, Morocco became the top supplier of fresh tomatoes to the EU, exporting 491,908 tonnes—61% of the EU’s total imports. A large portion of these tomatoes is sent to France, which then re-exports them to other EU nations like Germany and the Netherlands.
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This year’s show, one of Europe’s largest agricultural fairs, offers these groups an opportunity to amplify their message. Morocco will have a prominent 476 m² pavilion showcasing certified products from its regions, crafted by cooperatives with long-standing expertise, along with various agricultural products that highlight the sector’s richness and diversity. The 61st International Agricultural Show, themed “A French Pride,” is expected to attract over 600,000 visitors, featuring around 4,000 animals and 1,000 exhibitors across 16 hectares with nine pavilions.
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