Moroccan Olive Oil Production Plummets 30% Due to Drought

The upturn of 2018 and 2019 is far from being achieved and it is desolation in the ranks of the producers. Unanimously, the latter agree to recognize that the forecasts planned for this season will unfortunately not be achieved.

"It is a very particular year in terms of climatic conditions as it has been very marked by drought, causing a problem in the production of olives and therefore olive oil," said Noureddine Ouazzani, head of the Olivier ENA Meknès agropole, in an interview with SRNT News.

As a result, farmers will have to expect production between 80,000 and 90,000 tons, while with rainfall, local production could reach 120,000 tons, he said, adding that "the quality of the olive is very average this year, especially in the "bour" areas which are rainfed areas. This problem does not arise, on the other hand, in the well-irrigated lands which have allowed us to obtain good quality olives and therefore a very interesting oil".

"Our priority is first that people succeed in producing olive oil, because for most farmers who do not have the means to irrigate their land, the quantity as well as the quality of the oil produced are not satisfactory compared to previous campaigns," he noted.

Moreover, the manager mentioned the price per liter, stating that the international cost has seen a slight increase from 2 euros in 2019 to 3.60 euros per kilogram in 2021.

"The good news is that Morocco is gradually expanding its export market. We are starting to export to the United States, because we have free trade agreements which are very important. And we have also started to reach Europe, Canada and France. The qualitative potential of Moroccan olive oil is developing more and more," he concluded.