Consideration of citrus fruits as ‘highly sensitive products’ in negotiations with third countries

12.11.2021

Question for written answer  E-005097/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Clara Aguilera (S&D)

The citrus fruit sector in Spain makes an average of EUR 2 500 million each year, and accounts for 4.9% of Spain’s agricultural production and 32.5% of its fruit production. Spanish citrus farmers account for 60% of the total EU production, farmed in line with the EU’s stringent production model.

Nevertheless, the absence of any reciprocity in the EU’s trade agreements, in terms of both production methods and the plant health conditions for citrus fruits entering the EU, pose a serious threat to the viability of citrus farming in Spain. Moreover, as with South African imports, there are additional difficulties such as the ever increasing import periods, which mean that these products, rather than complementing EU production, represent unfair competition and a plant health risk for European citrus farming.

Before the next review of the Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Southern African Development Community, and in light of the absence of reciprocity, the plant health risks that have been denounced by the sector for years and the Farm to Fork Strategy:

Does the Commission intend to include consideration of citrus fruits as ‘highly sensitive products’ in the negotiations?