With the start of the current agricultural season in Morocco, especially for olives and olive oil, industry sources told Hespress Ar that “harvesting is already underway before moving on to the mills.”
Olive farmers in the Fes-Meknes region and Lattaouia, El Kelaa des Sraghna province, have reported that “the ongoing five-year drought in Morocco, which worsened this season, has drastically reduced olive yields by around 80%,” emphasizing that “this has had a serious impact on olive oil prices.”
In this regard, industry professionals told Hespress Ar that “olive oil prices are currently ranging between 100 and 110 MAD per liter,” emphasizing that “the recent rain had little to no impact on boosting yields or ensuring greater productivity.”
Rachid Benali, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Olive Oil, previously dismissed claims made by parliamentary member Fatima Tamani from the Democratic Left Federation that the price of a liter of olive oil surpassed 150 MAD.
Benali emphasized that “harvesting has officially started in some regions known for their olive trees, while also acknowledging the negative effects of drought and water shortages on yields.”
The Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Olive Oil president did not provide a definitive assessment of the product quality this season, emphasizing that “we need to wait a few more weeks to determine the level of olive oil production.”
In late September 2024, just before the start of the olive and olive oil season, sources from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests told Hespress AR that “there’s indeed a plan to allow the import of olive oil to boost national supply,” adding that “to prevent price increases, we need to consider imports as a practical solution, and details on how to participate will be announced soon.”
For her part, Fadwa Al Hayani, a member of the Movement group in the lower house, brought the issue of olive oil prices to Parliament, questioning the Minister of Agriculture about “the government’s position on the rumors regarding the potential price of olive oil.”
She stated, “the olive harvest season has begun in several regions, and water scarcity will surely affect this year’s production. However, some industry professionals are suggesting that the price of olive oil could reach around 150 MAD.”
Al Hayani warned of “brokers trying to fix this price in consumers’ minds, pushing for sales at this unjust rate, and criticized the government for not setting a reference price for local products.”
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.