European citriculture is facing significant challenges due to massive imports of Egyptian oranges at remarkably low prices. This situation, which is directly affecting Valencian farmers, has led to LA UNIÓ Llauradora to demand strong measures from the European Union (EU) to protect local production.
Impact of Egyptian imports on European citriculture
Between January and March, Egyptian oranges arrive in Europe at prices of around 0,51 €/kgThis is well below the current EU entry price (€0.693/kg) and European production costs. This puts pressure on local prices, distorts demand and compromises farmers' profitability.
Urgent measures proposed
- Minimum entry price: set a threshold of 1 €/kg reflecting actual production costs.
- Safeguard clause: limit imports in the critical months of January to March.
- Updating the entry price system: making it more effective against unfair competition.
The value of Valencian citriculture
Valencian citrus fruits are sustainable, generate employment in rural areas and guarantee traceability and food safety superior to Egyptian imports, which have a greater environmental impact and do not bring social or economic benefits to Europe.
A call to action
According to Carles PerisLA UNIÓ's Secretary General, “We must guarantee compliance with entry prices and avoid the collapse of the European market”. Valencian citriculture urgently needs support to compete in a complex global market.
Read the article on this subject on the website of LA UNIÓ.
