The first National Citrus Congress, held in Marrakech from 13 to 15 May 2025, marked a pivotal moment for Morocco's citrus industry. Organized by Maroc Citrus, the Moroccan interprofessional federation for citrus, and chaired by Kacem Bennani Smires, this event brought together producers, researchers, exporters, policymakers, and international partners to deliver a frank assessment of the sector and outline practical, urgent measures to safeguard its future.
Between 2021 and 2025, Morocco's citrus orchards lost nearly 40,000 hectares, approximately 30% of their cultivated area. Small farms were the most affected. This is mainly due to severe drought and low profitability approximately. But the orchard remains relatively young, with 68% of plantations aged 5 to 20 years and a notable presence of the Nadorcott variety, which alone represents half of citrus exports.
The main concern remains water scarcity. The Moroccan government is sparing no effort and is moving at remarkable speed on the issue of water management. His Majesty King Mohammed VI has issued clear directives: secure 80% of agricultural water needs. In response, the country has launched major desalination projects. With over 3,500 km of coastline, Morocco is well-positioned to harness seawater desalination. Desalinated water will serve potable and municipal needs, allowing dam reserves and treated wastewater to be dedicated to agriculture. The representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for water-related matters, assured during the event that by 2028–2029, concrete solutions would be approved. The key challenge is to hold on until then
The congress also offered an international and scientific perspective through a series of expert presentations. Eric Imbert provided a global overview of citrus production and trade, highlighting Morocco's positioning within international markets. Serge Zaka warned of the growing threat posed by climate change to citrus cultivation, while Setamou Mamoudou focused on the citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), considered one of the most dangerous threats to the global industry. Louise Fergusson stressed the importance of soil preservation as a pillar of sustainable agriculture. Mohamed Marzak and Mohamed Nafide showcased new technologies being integrated into Moroccan agriculture, such as digital monitoring and precision farming. In parallel, Hassan Zouhri presented the national program for combating the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), a major pest affecting citrus quality and exportability. Together, these contributions underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach to ensure long-term resilience.
Citrus cultivation was presented not only as an economic pillar but also as a driver of rural stability, helping to prevent land abandonment and create employment. Calls for a comprehensive national recovery plan, including financial, technical, and logistical support, resonated throughout the congress. Despite the challenges, promising initiatives were showcased. The National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) introduced new citrus varieties adapted to climate stress and demonstrated precision irrigation technologies. These innovations represent a path towards more resilient and sustainable production.
Structural issues were also addressed, such as fragmented domestic market systems, export logistics bottlenecks, Speakers urged the establishment of a national recovery plan with adequate funding and effective governance to revitalise the sector.
Importantly, the congress gave voice to those directly affected. Farmers, cooperatives, and exporters shared personal accounts of hardship but also a strong will to adapt if given the right tools and institutional backing. A shared sense of urgency emerged: decisive action is needed to preserve a sector vital to Morocco's economy and rural employment.
This historic congress served as both a wake-up call and a springboard for reform. It demonstrated that solutions do exist in scientific research, policy innovation, targeted investment, and collective action. The future of Morocco's citrus industry now depends on the country's ability to implement these solutions swiftly and decisively. The issue goes far beyond agriculture; it concerns food security, social stability, and the resilience of entire regions.
For more information:
Fatiha Charrat
Delassus Group
Email: [email protected]
www.delassus.com