Millions of kilos of fruit and vegetables destroyed last year

The Balearic ministry of agriculture and fisheries last year allowed the destruction of 2'235 tons of fruit and vegetables in the islands, instead of donating it to charitable organisations as had been done in previous years. The matter was brought to light yesterday by Josep Juan Cardona, the Popular Party co-ordinator in the Balearics, who criticised the ministry. The ministry has admitted in writing that last year, it accepted European subsidies for the withdrawal of 3'445 tons of fruit and vegetables and the larger part of it, 2'235 tons, was destroyed instead of being given to charity.