Fedex and Aceto, the two tomato business associations in the Canary islands, have asked the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Dacian Ciolos, to perform a study on the economic impact on this sector that the trade agreements between the EU and Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey have had.
Tomato exporters explained that they made this request to Ciolos during a visit to Tenerife last week, in which they explained to him the consequences that such agreements are having on the Canaries.
The tomato producers argue that European Union trade agreements with the three Mediterranean countries have downsized the sector's activities in the Canary Islands, as evidenced by conclusive employment, acreage and production data.
The associations also complained to Ciolos about the debt that the government has with the sector on transport subsidies and estimated at 38 million Euro.
Aceto and Fedex ensured that this meeting with the European Commissioner has given them a certain degree of optimism, as the Commissioner has agreed to study the case.
According to both associations, Ciolos told them that he wanted to analyze how to used the Posei funds more effectively and that they might take measure to support the sector rather than just compensate it."
Source: Abc.es