Agricultural crisis in France: Moroccan trucks ransacked and burned

Is it a return of the «medieval peasant- type revolts» in France? For several days now, farmers have been demonstrating their frustration. Armed with their tractors, they have blocked several major roads around Paris and other major cities. In the city of Montélimar, in the department of Drôme, in the south-east of the country, farmers’ discontent is escalating.

There has been a wave of violence and vandalism against foreign trucks, particularly from Spain and Morocco. According to Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi, President of the Moroccan Exporters Association (ASMEX), «around twenty foreign trucks, including Moroccans», have been attacked. «The other trucks have decided to divert their passage through Paris», he added.

Tomatoes, peppers, and avocados were dumped on the road. Worse still, the cargoes of some trucks were burned. «The demonstrators stopped and emptied foreign trucks, most of them Spanish, Moroccan, and Bulgarian», Sandrine Roussin, president of the local FDSEA union (Departmental Federation of Agricultural Unions), said to the French AFP press agency. According to the farmer, the rest of the shipments were delivered to Restos du cœur (Restaurants of the Heart) and other charities. The demonstrators denounced the «unfair competition» from imported food products.

This crisis is worrying Moroccan exporters. «It is likely to have an impact on Moroccan shipments to France», says Lahoucine Adardour, President of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation for the Production and Export of Fruit and Vegetables (FIFEL). He added that «The farmers’ anger movement in France is gaining considerable momentum. Their threats are being taken so seriously that supermarkets have withdrawn imported fruit and vegetables from their shelves».

The situation is likely to worsen if no common ground is found with the Executive. «If the blockade continues, it will have a significant impact on Moroccan exporters. We hope that the crisis will not last long», said the president of FIFEL. For his part, the president of ASMEX remains optimistic. «The impact will not be as great. Moroccan exports will suffer a little, but not too much», he added. Despite the crisis, Moroccan shipments are continuing for the time being. «Morocco Foodex (Autonomous Export Control and Coordination Institution) has informed us that the pace of exports will be the same as before», said Lahoucine Adardour.

Khadija Skalli