Difficulties in supplying oranges for the export market in Egypt, due to the growth of the processing industry, have led to the withdrawal of between 600,000 and 1 million tons of oranges this season, according to available estimates (which remain to be confirmed by official records). This quick shift in the market has revitalized exports from other sources, such as South Africa, which has benefited from calm competition for its early oranges. In Morocco, however, "challenges go beyond just competition," according to Mohamed Saiidi, CEO of Domaine Tarifit and Packing House Eurober.
© Mohamed
The grower explains: "Orange prices have indeed improved this season due to insufficient supply at the international level. However, this will not automatically or immediately translate into an increase in Moroccan volumes to take advantage of this opportunity. On the contrary, uprooting and reduction of orange acreage will continue due to the lack of water resources in several regions of the country."
In Berkane, one of Morocco's most important citrus-growing regions, the orange acreage has been halved in recent years due to the persistent drought, according to Saaidi. He adds, "I can't see any increase in orange acreage or volumes in Morocco in the short term. The region is arid, and the water table is exhausted; we are now drilling to depths of 250-300 meters to find water, compared to 60 meters a few years ago. This is the case in several other regions as well."
"We need at least four years before we can talk about increasing acreage to meet the demand for oranges on the international market, assuming we have good rainfall in the meantime," the grower continues.
Most of the country's orange production is currently of the Maroc Late variety, destined for the local market and West African countries. Only a few growers, like Saiidi, still supply oranges on the international market, albeit at reduced capacity.
Pour plus d'informations :
Mohammed Saiidi
Vergers Domaine Tarifit & Packing House Eurober
Tel : +212 661772581
