Heatwaves, production challenges threaten Moroccan olive industry

MOROCCO – Morocco’s olive industry is facing a difficult season due to severe heatwaves and rising temperatures, as highlighted by Mohamed Sadiki, the Minister of Agriculture.

This year’s yield is expected to drop significantly, presenting major challenges for producers and the wider market.

Minister Sadiki, speaking in Parliament, emphasized that the olive trees’ flowering phase coincided with intense heatwaves, which could severely impact overall production.

“The flowering phase occurred during a period of extreme heat, likely reducing the yield considerably,” he explained.

Kamal Ben Khaled, a member of Parliament and head of the Federation of Canning and Agricultural Products Industries, raised concerns over the current shortage in olive production.

 “Olives are being sold for MAD 15 (USD 1.50) per kilogram at the farm level,” Ben Khaled reported. Without government intervention, he warned that olive oil prices could skyrocket to MAD 150 (USD 15) per liter, leading to serious repercussions for factories in the sector and potential supply chain disruptions.

In response to these concerns, Minister Sadiki noted that the government had previously taken steps to combat speculation in olive oil prices. Last season, measures included restricting the export of olives and olive oil, which helped stabilize the market. “These steps were crucial in maintaining market stability,” Sadiki stated.

Despite these efforts, many companies in the olive sector remain at risk due to their dependence on international markets, which often set competitive prices.

Countries like Greece and Egypt, with their abundant olive production, pose a significant threat to Morocco’s market, especially as neighboring Spain also struggles with drought conditions.

Rising temperatures across Morocco

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) had issued alerts indicating that Morocco will experience extreme heat with temperatures expected to range between 38 and 48 degrees Celsius across various provinces.

Provinces including Oued Ed-Dahab, Youssoufia, Fquih Ben Salah, Meknes, Errachidia, Khénifra, Khouribga, Aousserd, Settat, Fez, Sefrou, Chichaoua, and several others experienced temperatures between 42 and 46 degrees Celsius.

The heatwave is expected to intensify with temperatures ranging from 45 to 48 degrees Celsius in provinces like Tata, Taroudant, Sidi Kacem, and Marrakech.

Furthermore, according to the forecast, temperatures between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius will affect provinces such as Tinghir, Ouarzazate, Tiznit, Essaouira, Berrechid, Larache, Safi, Guelmim, Sidi Bennour, Benslimane, Chtouka-Ait Baha, Sidi Ifni, Chefchaouen, El Hajeb, Kenitra, Azilal, and Al Haouz.

The DGM’s orange alert bulletin underscores the severity of the heatwave, signaling potential impacts on various sectors, including agriculture.

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