Projected Decline in Citrus Production and Exports in Morocco
In a concerning forecast for the agricultural sector, Morocco is bracing for a notable decline in citrus production, anticipated to fall to approximately 1.8 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season. This figure represents a sharp 20% decrease compared to the previous season. However, the export numbers tell a slightly different story, with expectations of a more moderate decline of around 7%, bringing exports down to an estimated 540,000 tonnes. This information was reported by EastFruit and cited by Kech24, highlighting the dual challenges facing the Moroccan citrus industry.
The expected reduction in citrus production is attributed to a combination of adverse environmental factors. Extreme summer heat, coupled with flooding incidents that have affected the Gharb region, has negatively impacted the development of orchards. These adverse weather conditions have hampered the growth of citrus trees and their fruit-bearing capabilities, despite improvements in water availability across the region. Furthermore, the natural alternate-bearing cycle of fruit trees contributes to the projected declines; following a particularly fruitful season, citrus trees typically experience reduced yields in the subsequent year.
Maroc Citrus has emphasized that the outlook for citrus exports remains optimistic, with projections indicating that Morocco’s exports could still reach around 540,000 tonnes in the upcoming season. This anticipated decline is significantly less severe than the overall production decrease, suggesting that Moroccan growers and exporters are making concerted efforts to sustain their competitiveness in international markets.
As the 2026/27 season approaches, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Morocco's citrus industry. Key issues include vulnerability to unpredictable weather patterns, the necessity for efficient water resource management, and the need to maintain orchard productivity amidst these pressures. The resilience of Morocco's agricultural sector will be tested as it navigates these complex dynamics.
As reported by east-fruit.com.
