As harvest season approaches and mills prepare for autumn operations, forecasts for olive and olive oil yields in Morocco are raising concerns. Experts and industry professionals predict a significant drop in production, driven by the escalating impact of drought conditions on the country’s olive groves.
Rachid Benali, President of the Moroccan Interprofessional Olive Federation (INTERPROLIVE), has warned of a particularly challenging season for olive cultivation. In an interview with Hespress, Benali stated that the current season is expected to produce one of the lowest yields in recent years. He attributed the situation to years of persistent drought and water stress affecting olive trees, which are crucial for both consumption and oil production. Benali noted that the drought has affected all crops, but olives have been hit hardest due to reduced irrigation, heat waves, and limited rainfall.
The situation is further compounded by reports of olive tree leaves being burned in key growing regions such as El Kelâa des Sraghna, Marrakech-Safi, Beni Mellal, and Sefrou. Benali observed these conditions during recent visits, revealing the silent struggles of farmers in these areas.
Hespress has collected testimonies that highlight the severe impact of drought on olive trees, with many olives described as “shrivelled by lack of water.” This, combined with other factors, is expected to result in production levels significantly lower than the previous year, according to Benali.
Benali also expressed concern over an increase in olive oil fraud as a result of declining yields. He indicated that the lack of water is leading to the gradual death of olive trees, which affects the entire supply chain from producers to traders. Despite repeated appeals to the Ministry of Water, Benali criticized the lack of response and warned that the 2024 autumn season might see a rise in fraudulent olive oil marketing.
Olive trees are a major crop in Morocco, covering approximately 1.2 million hectares, or about 65% of the country’s fruit tree area. However, the current agricultural season has seen a marked decline in these areas. Abdellatif Ould Hamadi, a farmer from El Kelâa des Sraghna, reported that climate change, irregular rainfall, and prolonged heat have drastically reduced olive productivity. He predicted that olive yields for autumn 2024 could fall to 20-30% of normal levels for irrigated trees, with severe drought potentially driving up olive oil prices to around 150 dirhams per liter.
Ould Hamadi and other local farmers, including Ahmed Moufid of Taza and Omar Arjali of the “Chaouia Verte” cooperative in Casablanca-Settat, confirmed that the drought has severely impacted all major olive-growing regions. Arjali noted visible damage to olive trees across a wide area, including El Kelâa des Sraghna and the Chaouia region.
In response to these challenges, some farmers are replacing traditional olive varieties with Spanish ones known for their drought resistance. Abdelaâti Makroum of the “Shajriane” agricultural cooperative in Marrakech-Safi reported that these new varieties could potentially offer a yield of up to 70%, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing crisis.
The situation underscores the urgent need for support and intervention to sustain Morocco’s vital olive sector and ensure the resilience of its agricultural practices in the face of worsening climate conditions.
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