Spanish tomato sector concerned about drop in EU production 

Spain’s fruit and vegetable federation Fepex has expressed concern that European tomato production will be down by 3% this year, while imports will grow by the same percentage, according to the latest report on short-term agricultural prospects from the European Commission.

In a statement, Fepex called for the adoption of measures to stop this trend and strengthen community production of tomatoes. The smaller projected EU crop of 6.22 million tons is said to be due to lower production in greenhouses as a result of higher energy costs and changes in the varieties planted, which are being oriented towards the cherry variety.

In the last five years, Europe’s fresh tomato production has dropped by 5% while imports have increased by 67%, with Morocco and Turkey the main suppliers.