Moroccan products targeted by a new campaign in Spain… industry professionals respond

Moroccan agricultural products are once again at the center of controversy in Spain, following calls from Spanish groups to boycott products originating from Morocco. The calls have been linked to recent political developments concerning the cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

The Valdemoro Consumer Protection Association, known as “ACUSVAL,” has called on Spanish consumers to check the country of origin on products before purchasing them and to avoid Moroccan products. The move has drawn criticism from Moroccan industry professionals, who argue that political disputes should not turn into a campaign targeting farmers and exporters.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Union of Farmers and Livestock Breeders’ Organizations, “COAG,” has also entered the debate, criticizing the competitiveness of Moroccan products, particularly tomatoes, strawberries and green beans, citing differences in labor costs and regulatory requirements.

🇲🇦 Moroccan exporters reject the politicization of the issue

Ahmed Bounâama, president of the United Farmers Association of Souss, said that such campaigns tend to emerge repeatedly as Spanish elections approach. He warned that they could affect the stability of Moroccan farmers and exporters as well as their investments.

He called on the Moroccan government, particularly the Ministries of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs and the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), to take action to protect Moroccan products and ensure their smooth access to Spanish and European markets. He also called on the Spanish side to respect the agreements governing trade between Morocco and the European Union.

Producer and exporter Ali Bida, for his part, spoke of various forms of pressure allegedly facing Moroccan agricultural exports, including the interception of Moroccan trucks holding valid transit permits, as well as pressure on some major retailers to prevent them from selling Moroccan products.

Is Moroccan agriculture once again becoming a tool in Spain’s political and electoral disputes?