Heatwaves Threaten Morocco's Olive Production: An Emerging Crisis

Wednesday 24 July 2024 - 08:00

Morocco's olive production is facing a formidable challenge this season as extreme heatwaves threaten to decimate yields, according to Mohamed Sadiki, the Minister of Agriculture.

In a recent parliamentary session, Minister Sadiki expressed grave concerns over the impact of harsh climatic conditions on the nation's olive output. He revealed that the critical flowering phase of olive trees coincided with severe heatwaves, a scenario likely to significantly reduce this year's harvest.

Minister Sadiki has pledged to convene a meeting with key stakeholders to address the pressing issues within the olive supply chain and to seek viable solutions. The diminishing olive yield has emerged as a significant concern for the Moroccan market, with potential ramifications for both local producers and international trade.

Kamal Ben Khaled, a parliament member from the National Rally of Independents and head of the Federation of Canning and Agricultural Products Industries, has sounded alarms over the looming shortage. Ben Khaled reported that olives are currently being sold for MAD 15 ($1.50) per kilogram at the farm level. He cautioned that without immediate government intervention, olive oil prices could soar to MAD 150 ($15) per liter.

Such an unprecedented price surge could have severe repercussions for factories within the sector, potentially causing significant supply chain disruptions. Many companies are already teetering on the brink of bankruptcy due to their reliance on international markets, which frequently dictate competitive pricing. The situation is exacerbated by competition from countries like Greece and Egypt, which boast abundant olive production. Additionally, neighboring Spain is also grappling with drought conditions, further straining the market.

In response to these urgent concerns, Minister Sadiki noted that the Moroccan government had previously implemented measures to mitigate price speculation in the olive oil market. These included restricting the export of olives and olive oil, steps that had successfully stabilized prices in the past.

As Morocco navigates this challenging season, the government's proactive engagement with industry stakeholders will be crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on one of the country's key agricultural sectors. The coming months will reveal whether these efforts can safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and the stability of the olive market.