Moroccan Olive Oil Sector Shows Signs of Recovery After Drought

Towards a revival of the olive oil sector? The recent rains revive the hope of a revival of the olive oil sector. In Jbala, several operators report an unexpected resurgence of the olive trees, reports Le Matin, noting that the soils have been sufficiently rehydrated in this area with a strong olive-growing tradition, to restart the vegetative cycle, with a denser flowering announced than last year. Same observation in certain areas of the Middle Atlas and the Haouz, where the rainfed orchards, usually the most exposed, display their optimism.

Despite this hope, professionals are playing the card of caution. "We cannot yet pronounce on the olive oil production of the current season, let alone say that it is saved. For the moment, we have a very good start with the current context and circumstances, that is undeniable. If we had not had this good start, the producers would then have had to resign themselves to waiting until next year to allow themselves to hope for a good production," says Rachid Benali, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Olive Oil Organization (Interprolive). According to him, several conditions must be met for production to be good.

"First, we must note that the olive tree cycle is very long. It has started, but the harvest will not take place until November. We are currently observing a rise in temperatures in several regions. Now, the first condition that could favor good production for this year would precisely be that temperatures do not increase much, especially during the current period which is considered difficult in olive cultivation (flowering, fruit set...) and during which the tree is very sensitive to heat. We have already seen that temperature increases during the month of April for example are catastrophic for the olive tree," explains Benali.

He continues: "The second decisive condition is of course the availability of water, whether for irrigated crops or for rainfed crops (additional rainfall). Other climatic risks and hazards such as Chergui winds or hail can also occur in the coming months. Let’s hope this won’t be the case."