In Germany there has been an outcry over millions in European subsidies to South European fruit and vegetable cultivation companies. Research by the German public broadcaster Bayerische Rundfunk (BR) shows that growers in Italy and Spain receive subsidies, while in the meantime they do not comply with the legal regulations in terms of health, wages and safety.
The German broadcaster cites as an example a grower in the Spanish province of AlmerÃa, who received 3.4 million euro in the past three years despite various breaches of wage regulations and statutory protective measures. For example, employees would complain about too low wages and the use of toxic spraying agents where the employees were not wearing protective clothing. According to the broadcaster, there are numerous complaints to the regional trade union against the grower of organic tomatoes. The tomato grower would supply to, among others, German supermarkets and discount stores. The products of the criticized growers are, according to the broadcaster, also available in the shops of Edeka, Rewe, Real, Penny and Lidl.
Various MEPs want stricter controls on compliance with legislation at growers who receive a subsidy. EU agricultural commissioner Phil Hogan, however, appears to see no reason to take action for the time being, writes Bayerische Rundfunk.
Source: Bayerische Rundfunk