The European Commission's Tomato Working Group, formed by experts from the Member States and representatives of the European Commission, will analyse the situation of the entry prices of tomatoes from Morocco during the next meeting, to be held on 4 June. Moroccan
Regarding the entry price of tomatoes from Morocco, FEPEX will ask for two import values to be set, one for round tomatoes, as had already been done up to this campaign, and another for cherry tomatoes. FEPEX considers that the adoption of a single import value for all types of tomatoes prevents being able to closely monitor the market situation and apply the safeguard measures provided for in the Partnership Agreement.
Furthermore, FEPEX will ask the Commission to set a specific withdrawal price for cherry tomatoes, which currently receive Community aid amounting to 18.30 Euro per 100 kilos (50% of which is funded by the POs). FEPEX considers that this amount is clearly insufficient to manage market crises in this market segment, which suffers strong competition from imports from Morocco. As a result, the starting price of tomatoes from Spanish producer organisations dropped by 14.5% in 2014 compared with the previous year.
The Group will also discuss the situation in the tomato market, taking stock of the 2014/2015 winter season, and will announce its prospects for the 2015 summer campaign. Another point in the agenda will be a discussion on the unfair trade practices in the food chain.