Several farmers operating in the regions of Al Haouz and Kelaat Sraghna in Morocco have raised concerns over the delayed blooming of olive trees on their farms. They warn this might pose a negative impact on the olive harvest for the upcoming season especially following the unprecedented rise in prices of this vital product last season.
These farmers, including major investors in the sector, noted that olive trees typically bloom in March but this season they have been delayed by about three weeks. Concerns arise whether the delay is due to recent climate changes experienced in Morocco. Farmers asked for the Ministry of Agriculture and its external services to address their concerns, which are also shared by olive oil consumers.
Annually, Morocco produces around 150,000 tons of olive oil, exporting about 25,000 tons. However, due to drought and scarcity of water resources last year, production decreased causing a significant rise in prices, exceeding 100 dirhams per liter in some areas. This led the government to implement new actions for marketing olive production with the aim to enhance the value of the domestic production locally, ensure regular supply to the domestic market, stabilize consumer prices at normal levels, and ensure the continuity and sustainability of the entire olive value chain. The government decided to license exportation of olives in fresh or refrigerated condition, processed olives, olive oil, and pomace oil as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests.
