Morocco: Citrus exports decline 10%

The export season of fruit and vegetables from Morocco started up and down. First, the export started with very low prices. Second, adverse weather conditions slowed growth of fruit. "The cold snap of December-January-February has virtually blocked the development of the profile of the calibration of mid-season varieties and caused damage to oranges," says Ahmed Darrab, general secretary of the Association of Producers citrus from Morocco (Aspam).

According to Darrab farmers turned more to the local market, because they received low prices in the previous seasons. In contrast, fruit and vegetable growers expect an average season. "Since March, the market has improved significantly thanks to a rise in prices", says Younis Zrikem, vice president of the Association of Producers and Exporters of fruits and vegetables (APEFEL). For tomatoes, flagship of the industry, they expect 400,000 tons, which is a record.

In total, exports of citrus, fruits and vegetables, to March 5, reached 811,382 tons against 852,344 in the previous season at the same time a slight decrease of about 5%. The decline is to attributed to the outputs of citrus whose volume stood at 380,260 tons as against 424,570 last season, down 10%. The decline is not expected to recover this campaign.

According to the Secretary General of Aspam, total exports would not exceed 500,000 tons against the planned 570,000 tons and 530,000 tons in 2010/2011. "This, for an industry of around 1.8 million tons. The local market has a special appeal for good reason, it provides immediate cash for farmers, instead of waiting 4-5 months for regulations due for export."

As for vegetables the figures show a total volume of 431,122 tons shipped 427,774 against a slight increase of 1% from the March 5 of last season. Volume which is still dominated by tomatoes whose exports reached 297,320 tons against 259,170.

Regarding the various fruits, sales focused on 16,320 tons instead of 23,426 tons. Which consist of melon, strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate and avocado.

Export of organic products are slightly down compared to last season, these products have experienced a significant diversification. Export volumes reached 5,000 tons.