Severe Climate Fluctuations Reduce Avocado Production in Morocco to 80,000 Tons
A report from the “Fresh Plaza” data analytics platform has highlighted a sharp decline in avocado production in Morocco for the upcoming agricultural season, due to intense climate fluctuations that have impacted the main producing regions.
The report indicates that unstable weather conditions from March to the end of July have caused losses that could reach up to 50% of the expected production.
Avocado fields were hit by cold waves and heavy rains during the flowering period, followed by a significant rise in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. This led to substantial fruit drop and drastically lowered the initial production estimates compared to previous seasons. Production is expected to decline during the 2025/2026 season to around 80,000 tons, down from earlier estimates of 140,000 to 160,000 tons.
Farmers are currently intensifying irrigation and feeding of the trees to compensate for the deficit and improve fruit quality, in light of indicators pointing to rising prices locally and globally. Data shows that prices have already increased ahead of the harvest season, expected to start soon at 30 dirhams per kilogram, compared to 17 dirhams at the beginning of last season.
This year’s harvest is delayed until the end of January or March instead of October and November, with the aim of waiting for prices to peak in global markets. Producers are preparing to face the challenges of the upcoming season by adjusting their agricultural practices to mitigate the impact of climate fluctuations, amidst strong demand for avocados, which may help improve their incomes.
