FRESH PLAZA
Yesterday, the agricultural Protocol between the EU and Morocco came into force, the agreement rejected by FEPEX because it involves the liberalization of Moroccan fruit and vegetable exports to the EU market.
The protocol removes the ad valorem rights for all fruits and vegetables, except tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, zucchini, clementines and pears. For these products, tariff protection is also lower than in the previous agreement and the ad valorem rights are reduced by setting zero tariff quotas and reductions over quotas, which are 60% for tomato and 80% for Clementine for unlimited quantities.
Regarding input prices, the agreement provides for new concessions on products with reduced entry prices and unlimited amounts, as in the case of table grapes, apricots, peaches and nectarines. These concessions virtually dismantle the entry price system. The Agreement that came into effect yesterday, has had a long approval process:
– December 14th 2009, conclusion of negotiations carried out by the Commission on behalf of the Union to reach a Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters
– December 13th 2010, signing of the Agreement between the Council and the Moroccan authorities
– February 16th 2012, final ratification of the Agreement by the European Parliament.
Later, in July, the European Commission approved the Implementing Regulation (EU) No 701/2012, which regulated the modification of the entry price system. FEPEX will require this reform to respect the quotas established in the new agreement which comes into effect today.
FEPEX will also conduct a strict follow up on the negative impact that the Agreement has on the productive aspect of the sector, demanding compliance of the safeguard measures provided for in the Agreement.
Source: Fepex
Publication date: 10/2/2012
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