The Meknes region, Morocco's historic stronghold of viticulture, is bearing the full brunt of climatic and commercial hazards. Achraf Nassar, a local table grape grower, reports on the situation.
The producer describes his operations: "We're based in Meknes and grow late table grape varieties of Italian origin that we import from France, with a season that runs from September to December, and I have to say that we've been through a tough period over the last two seasons."
Despite recent rains, the effects of seven consecutive years of drought are still being felt. Nassar says: "The table grape sector depends entirely on irrigation, and the situation is terrible. We have lost up to 40% of our irrigation capacity in terms of hourly volume, yet we are among the least affected in our region."
The grower, who relies entirely on the local market for his produce, also deplores a sector prey to middlemen: "We're increasingly at the mercy of the middlemen who control the distribution and prices of fresh produce," he says. "Last season, we obtained derisory prices, and it was quite simply a catastrophic season."
"Global production of table grapes is insufficient for consumption, and our grapes can be appreciated elsewhere. In terms of quality and agricultural operations, our production meets the requirements of foreign markets. We still need to obtain the necessary certifications, but this can be done quickly. We'll see what happens this season," Nassar concludes.
For more information:
Achraf Nassar
NSR NLK
Tel: +212660507077
Email: [email protected]