A detailed report on the trade barriers encountered by European exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables to third country markets was presented to the European Commission earlier in December by Freshfel Europe.

The report is the result of the Freshfel export division, chaired by Italian exporter Guiseppe Calcagni. In recent months, the members of this division considered market access difficulties and possible strategies for promoting EU fresh produce to third countries.

After a brief overview of the main features of the 2002-2003 export season, the exporters reported on tariff and non-tariff barriers currently hampering exports to a number of markets including the US, Japan, China, Taiwan, India, Egypt, Russia, Poland and Romania.

Key issues of the meeting included the negotiation of free trade agreements with third countries and their implications for fresh produce exporters, the reciprocation – or lack thereof – in import treatment and market access conditions, the enlargement of the EU and the inclusion of fresh produce in humanitarian aid packages.

The report was welcomed by the EC delegation, headed by Mr Tilgenkamp, director at the Directorate-General for Agriculture.

The commission saw the report as a valuable source of practical information and expressed a willingness to discuss further issues mentioned within the report.