Olive oil in Morocco: prices are falling... but the harvest is threatened

The year looks paradoxical for Moroccan green gold. On the one hand, the indicators are green: productivity is good, with an average yield ranging between 14 and 18 liters per quintal in several regions, particularly in the province of Kalaa des Sraghna. On the other hand, farmers are struggling to find manpower to pick the fruit.

This is the main information for household budgets: prices are plummeting. According to industry professionals, the price of a liter of olive oil is currently negotiated between 50 and 60 dirhams.

Even better, for the savvy consumer who buys their olives and takes care of the pressing themselves, the final cost can be even lower. Depending on the quality and yield, the liter can cost only 35 to 50 dirhams, including grinding and packaging costs. A windfall made possible by the recent rains that have soaked the fruit, even if the water slightly reduces the extraction rate per quintal.

But in the olive groves, the atmosphere is tense. An associative actor in the sector in Kalaa des Sraghna cited by Hespress, warns of a "labor crisis". Workers are deserting the region to go work towards Taourirt or Guercif.

Immediate consequence: costs are skyrocketing. The daily wage of a worker now reaches 150 dirhams, and the cost of picking a crate (30-32 kg) is around 35 dirhams.

This labor shortage has a direct impact on the schedule. The oil mills are congested and the harvest is considerably delayed. Contrary to previous years, the season could exceptionally extend until February, or even March next, just after the month of Ramadan.

Professionals also fear an impact on exports, as the size of the olives is considered too small (fine) this year for certain canning markets, although perfect for oil.