Canary Islands farmer association rejects planned marine connection to Morocco

Asaga Canarias Asaja, the Association of Farmers and Ranchers of the Canary Islands, stated on Wednesday that it would be opposing the planned marine connection between Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura and the port of Tarfaya in Morocco later this year.

Asaga released a statement expressing the agricultural sector’s concern that the restoration of this line will result in a large-scale influx of livestock and agricultural products of Moroccan origin into the islands, which could spread phytosanitary and epizootic pests and diseases and cause losses in local production in addition to endangering the herd of cattle.

According to the association, there are certain plant pathogens in Morocco, such as the tomato rugose virus, which the nation’s phytosanitary officials recently confirmed, and the fake moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta), which was found in some imported fruits to the Peninsula.

The statement goes on to say that the threats mentioned pose a “serious” threat to Canarian agriculture because they affect numerous tree species and crops, including avocado, vineyard, olive, persimmon, pomegranate, pepper, tomato, and eggplant.

For this reason, this professional organization is concerned.

This kind of insect’s potential transmission and spread would also be against the March 12, 1987, Canary Island order on the import, export, and transit of plants and products.

The Order was established to prevent the introduction of agricultural pests and illnesses to the area.

The same media reported that the fact that Morocco is home to epizootic diseases that impact livestock, such as foot-and-mouth disease, which is reportedly extremely contagious, is very concerning. 

The organization does acknowledge, however, that the most recent outbreaks found had been contained.

Additionally, it indicates that a mosquito may be the source of the epizootic hemorrhagic illness (EHE), which affects cattle on the Peninsula.

Asaga concluded by saying that “it must be understood that the hygiene, feeding and animal welfare measures required of Moroccan producers are more lax than those required of community farmers.”