On Friday, farmers from Agen, Rennes, Brest, and Avignon took to the streets in protest against the unfair competition of Moroccan tomatoes. These farmers believe that the situation is largely due to inoperative customs agreements and insufficient legislation on information regarding the origin of fruits and vegetables.
In Agen, around ten producers placed “Morocco” stickers on tomatoes in a local supermarket to bring attention to consumers and highlight French production. Nathalie Binda, a farmer from Lot-et-Garonne, expressed disappointment that the origin of cherry tomatoes is often marked in very small letters on packaging, making it difficult for consumers to identify where they come from.
Similarly, in Rennes, farmers denounced the presence of imported tomatoes on supermarket shelves. They pointed out the lack of traceability and criticized free trade agreements that allow for products with little to no customs duties to be imported. In Brest, farmers highlighted unfair competition, low labor costs, and the use of banned pesticides as issues that need to be addressed.
Overall, these farmers are calling for greater transparency in labeling and legislation regarding food origins. They want consumers informed about where their food comes from so they can make more informed decisions when shopping for produce. They also aim to raise awareness about supporting local produce and advocating for fair trade practices.
