New report: Climate change disrupts Moroccan potato, mandarin, and raspberry farming

MOROCCO – Climate change is causing significant disruptions to the agricultural schedules for potatoes, mandarins, and raspberries in Morocco, creating substantial challenges for farmers across the country.

The potato sector is feeling the effects of these changing conditions, with a notable reduction in cultivation areas. The area dedicated to potatoes has decreased by 10% to 18,000 hectares compared to last year.

Additionally, yields per hectare have fallen by 15%, primarily due to unpredictable weather and logistical issues. “Farmers are struggling with these changes,” said a local grower. “It’s causing prices to rise and creating instability in the market.”

Mandarin farming is also under pressure. The harvested area has shrunk by 12% to 7,500 hectares, and yield per hectare has dropped by 20%. Unseasonal weather and temperature fluctuations are major contributors to these declines, making it difficult for producers to meet market demands.

“The challenges we face are impacting both the quality and quantity of our produce,” a mandarin farmer explained. “This is causing financial strain and complicating supply chain management.”

Raspberry production is similarly affected, with yields falling by 25% and the area under cultivation decreasing by 8% to 1,200 hectares. Pest infestations and irregular weather patterns are to blame for these reductions.

The decrease in both yield and cultivation area is putting economic pressure on raspberry growers. “We are seeing fewer raspberries and struggling to keep up with supply,” a raspberry producer noted. “The economic impact is significant.”

These disruptions are raising concerns among Moroccan farmers and agricultural stakeholders. There is an urgent need for adaptive strategies and support from government and agricultural organizations to address these challenges effectively.

Ensuring the stability and sustainability of Morocco’s agricultural industry is crucial for future food security.

Positive outlook for Moroccan table grapes

In contrast to the challenges faced by other crops, the Moroccan table grape season is showing promising results. Elana Shabaily from Vergers de Soleil reports a successful season with improved volumes and sizes compared to last year.

“We are having a very good season, with more volumes and better sizes across all varieties,” Elana said. “The weather conditions have been favorable, and our harvests have been excellent.”

Last season was marked by long heatwaves that led to a 20% drop in volume and quality issues, particularly for red seedless varieties. This year, however, temperatures have remained stable in the thirties, significantly better for grape cultivation.

“The temperature has been much more stable this season,” Elana added. “We only reached 40 degrees for three days, which is a big improvement.”

Despite these positive developments, the industry still faces challenges related to water stress. “We’ve had to pause our development plans and are awaiting solutions like seawater desalination and wastewater treatment,”

Elana explained. “Our development prospects are promising, but progress is dependent on water availability.”

Overall, while Morocco’s table grape industry is experiencing a better season, other key agricultural sectors continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change.

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