Morocco's citrus industry, producing over 1.5 million tons annually and exporting 500,000 tons, is a key component of the country's agriculture. It employs over 13,000 rural families, generates 32 million workdays, and is supported by 50 packing stations and four juice factories.
From 2010 to 2016, the citrus cultivation area grew from 98,000 to 128,000 hectares, driven by the Green Morocco Plan and public-private partnerships on Sodea lands. Production increased by 59% during this period, reaching 2.6 million tons in 2016. However, overproduction and climate change have since caused the cultivated area to shrink by 29% to 91,342 hectares by 2024, with production declining to 1.5 million tons.
Despite these challenges, the sector is reorganizing strategically. Maroc Citrus notes that 50% of orchards are now less than 15 years old, with a focus on high-value varieties like the NadorCott mandarin. This variety, managed by the Moroccan Association of NadorCott Producers (APNM), is exported to over 40 countries.
The rise of Turkish and Egyptian competitors, especially in the Russian market, has reduced Morocco's market share. This has pushed the industry to upgrade, improve traceability, and adopt certifications like GlobalGAP, SMETA, GRASP, and LEAF. However, segments like table oranges continue to face difficulties, with Egypt's competitiveness shortening the export season by two months. A potential opportunity arises as Brazil's citrus output declines due to the citrus greening virus, possibly allowing Morocco to capture more market space.
Water scarcity remains a pressing issue, with droughts threatening citrus farming's sustainability. A dedicated water strategy is essential, focusing on desalination projects, hydraulic interconnections, and shared governance. Immediate consultation between the state and sector professionals is necessary to prevent further decline.
The Competition Council's March 2024 opinion highlights structural issues such as land fragmentation and weak producer organization. Maroc Citrus suggests strengthening interprofessional organizations, pooling infrastructure, and modernizing logistics to enhance sector performance.
Despite its socio-economic importance, the sector faces a labor shortage. The Direct Social Assistance (ASD) program and the seasonal work nature contribute to this issue. Maroc Citrus calls for dialogue between the Ministry of Agriculture and COMADER to develop a sustainable employment model.
Source: Yabiladi