Morocco has exported 383,000 tons of citrus this year. In 2011-2012 it was 485,000. A decrease of 21%, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Several factors contributed to the decline: lower production, contracts with foreign countries, and local competition.
The exporters have had a turbulent season. According to the Association of Moroccan Citrus Producers ASPAM, this is the worst season of the past 30 years.
The low output is the result of the weather conditions. According to Derrab Ahmed, general secretary of the association, "the high temperatures and drought in May and July 2012 affected fruit development in orchards". All areas have to contend with the negative consequences but Souss Massa-Draa (-50%), le Gharb (-20% to -25%) and Tadla (-20%) experienced the biggest losses.
In addition, the crisis led to lower purchase from Europe and North America. Russia is the largest buyer with 50% of the export volume, North America took in 10 to 15% and the EU 30%.
Domestic competition and the increasing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables has led to very low prices. Compared with apples and bananas, the orange is still the most accessible product in the local market, said Ahmed Derrab.
The purchase price of the orange was between 1.80 and 2.20 DH per kilo, and the selling price to the consumer between 7.50 and 9 DH per kilo. The association advocates improving the distribution.
The exporters have had a turbulent season. According to the Association of Moroccan Citrus Producers ASPAM, this is the worst season of the past 30 years.
The low output is the result of the weather conditions. According to Derrab Ahmed, general secretary of the association, "the high temperatures and drought in May and July 2012 affected fruit development in orchards". All areas have to contend with the negative consequences but Souss Massa-Draa (-50%), le Gharb (-20% to -25%) and Tadla (-20%) experienced the biggest losses.
In addition, the crisis led to lower purchase from Europe and North America. Russia is the largest buyer with 50% of the export volume, North America took in 10 to 15% and the EU 30%.
Domestic competition and the increasing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables has led to very low prices. Compared with apples and bananas, the orange is still the most accessible product in the local market, said Ahmed Derrab.
The purchase price of the orange was between 1.80 and 2.20 DH per kilo, and the selling price to the consumer between 7.50 and 9 DH per kilo. The association advocates improving the distribution.
