Unfair Competition Sparks Outrage Among French Farmers
In the midst of rising temperatures and an increase in sales, French cherry tomato producers are expressing their deep frustration regarding the substantial imports of these tomatoes from Morocco. Statistics reveal that Moroccan farmers exported a staggering 275,000 tons of cherry tomatoes to Europe in 2025, taking advantage of a trade agreement with the European Union established in 2012 that significantly reduces tariffs. French growers argue that they are victims of unfair competition, as these imports drive down prices in the market.
One particular product has ignited the ire of French farmers: a 250-gram pack of elongated cherry tomatoes produced in Morocco, which is sold for less than 1 euro. Pierre-Yves Jestin, president of the French Tomatoes and Cucumbers Association representing 500 producers, lamented, "A quick look in stores shows that this pack is available year-round at a price of 99 cents." Jestin, who also leads the Savéol cooperative, alongside his fellow farmers, has launched a 'sovereign' pack of 250 grams of 100% French cherry tomatoes priced at 1.29 euros, emphasizing that they simply cannot compete with the lower pricing.
He pointed out the stark contrast in labor costs, stating, "In France, the hourly wage is around 15 euros, compared to just 1 euro per hour in Morocco. The primary cost of production for cherry tomatoes is labor." In light of this situation, Jestin is calling for a reevaluation of the agreement with Morocco, which was initially designed to address the demand for traditional tomatoes during the winter months when European production is low. He argues that current market conditions no longer align with the original intentions of the agreement. Notably, French consumers consumed 115,000 tons of cherry tomatoes in 2025, marking a steady increase since 2019.
As reported by franceinfo.fr.
