Accordingto Darrab farmers turned more to the local market, because they received lowprices in the previous seasons. In contrast, fruit and vegetable growers expectan average season. "Since March, the market has improved significantlythanks to a rise in prices", says Younis Zrikem, vice president of theAssociation of Producers and Exporters of fruits and vegetables (APEFEL). Fortomatoes, flagship of the industry, they expect 400,000 tons, which is arecord.
In total,exports of citrus, fruits and vegetables, to March 5, reached 811,382 tonsagainst 852,344 in the previous season at the same time a slight decrease ofabout 5%. The decline is to attributed to the outputs of citrus whose volumestood at 380,260 tons as against 424,570 last season, down 10%. The decline isnot expected to recover this campaign.
Accordingto the Secretary General of Aspam, total exports would not exceed 500,000 tonsagainst the planned 570,000 tons and 530,000 tons in 2010/2011. “This, for anindustry of around 1.8 million tons. The local market has a special appeal forgood reason, it provides immediate cash for farmers, instead of waiting 4-5months for regulations due for export.”
As forvegetables the figures show a total volume of 431,122 tons shipped 427,774against a slight increase of 1% from the March 5 of last season. Volume whichis still dominated by tomatoes whose exports reached 297,320 tons against259,170.
Regardingthe various fruits, sales focused on 16,320 tons instead of 23,426 tons. Whichconsist of melon, strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate and avocado.
Export oforganic products are slightly down compared to last season, these products haveexperienced a significant diversification. Export volumes reached 5,000 tons.