Drought Drives Olive Oil Prices to New Highs in Morocco

Every year, in November, the olive harvest begins. A key moment for Moroccans who are fond of olive oil, nicknamed the "green gold." But the vagaries of the climate have led to a dizzying drop in production.

Professionals in the sector are concerned. The drought has had a "deep" impact on the industry, affecting quantities and prices. The Ministry of Agriculture is targeting a production of 90,000 tons of olive oil, well below national needs, estimated between 130,000 and 140,000 tons.

Ahmed El Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, confirms this decline: "The expected production for the olive oil sector this year is estimated at 950,000 tons," a decrease of 11% compared to the previous season and 40% compared to a normal year. The cause is the drought and high temperatures during flowering.

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To stem the crisis, the government has suspended import duties on olive oil. The objective: to ensure supply and stabilize prices. Exports, on the other hand, will be regulated to preserve national stocks.

Rachid Benali, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Olive, points to the impact of climate change. "The problem is not limited to drought," he specifies, "but also includes various climatic fluctuations." The rise in prices is also explained by the increase in production costs.

Bouazza El Kharrati, president of the Moroccan Federation of Consumer Rights, denounces "the decline in olive yields and the destruction of vast olive grove areas." He also points the finger at "immoral practices of certain speculators" who take advantage of the situation.

The olive oil industry is nevertheless a key sector of the Moroccan economy. It generates more than 50 million working days per year and accounts for 68% of the country’s tree crop areas.

Despite the difficulties, a glimmer of hope remains. The development of modern irrigation techniques and the choice of olive varieties adapted to the climate could allow Morocco to revive olive oil production.