The Assembly of European Horticultural Regions (AREFLH) has called on the European Commission to support fruit and veg producers across the EU during the coronavirus crisis.
In a letter to the Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen and Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, the organisation which represents growers in nine countries said action was required to maintain the free movement of EU goods and workers, stabilise the market, and support producer organisations (POs).
A spokesperson for the group said, “The situation is deeply worrying, particularly for certain productions that have already entered the harvest phase, while many regions have to face other difficulties, particularly with regard to the checks to be carried out with POs, made impossible because of confinement.”
The letter comes as the European Commission published new practical advice to ensure that mobile workers within the EU that qualify as critical workers, including seasonal workers in the food sector, can continue reach their workplace. The Commission urged Member States to exchange information on their different needs at a technical level and establish specific procedures to ensure a smooth passage for workers, while ensuring employers understand their responsibilities to provide for adequate health and safety protection.
Last week the Commission urged EU member countries to limit the time that goods spend at borders to no more than 15 minutes following long delays in some countries. However, despite the difficulties Janusz Wojciechowski reported that, “The consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables in the EU has been booming in recent weeks. Spain, Italy and the Netherlands report 40 per cent increases, and Germany up to 100 per cent.”
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