Morocco’s Berry Sector at a Turning Point – Stay tuned for the 2025 Edition of the Morocco Berry Conference
Morocco’s berry industry is thriving, but it faces major challenges: extreme weather conditions, rising production costs, and increasing pressure on resources. To stay competitive, producers are turning to innovation, sustainability, and local plant production but the risks have never been higher.
What strategies are industry leaders using to adapt? How are climate risks reshaping the sector’s future? Get exclusive insights, cutting-edge data, and expert analysis straight from the field at the Morocco Berry Conference 2024. The latest findings, drawn from Amine Bennani’s presentation, will give you the inside track on the trends shaping the industry.
Climate and Environmental Challenges
The sector is increasingly affected by extreme weather conditions: winds exceeding 100 km/h, heavy rainfall of up to 170 mm in the north, and extremely high temperatures above 51°C in the Agadir region. These disruptions not only affect harvest schedules but alsoresult in yield losses of 5% to 20%. Water scarcity, especially in Agadir, adds another layer of complexity. While advanced irrigation technologies like sensors and probes help optimize usage, the rising cost of water per cubic meter remains a major challenge for producers.
Escalating Production Costs
The rising costs of labor, diesel, fertilizers, phytosanitary products, plastic materials, and land are putting farms under financial strain. These unavoidable expenses are forcing industry players to rethink their management strategies and find more sustainable, cost-effective solutions. Without proactive investment in innovation and efficiency, maintaining profitability will be a tough challenge.
Challenges Related to Inputs and Plant Production
An overwhelming 93% of the sector’s plant imports come from Spain, making it highly vulnerable to external factors such as diseases like Xylella. Developing a robust local plant production industry is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. By strengthening domestic cultivation and multiplication, Morocco can secure its supply chain and enhance plant quality control.
Phytosanitary and Pest Control Challenges
With intensified production, pests have become an even greater threat. Thrips, mites, aphids, and the spotted-wing drosophila require constant monitoring, especially as regulations tighten on the use of active substances. This calls for more innovative, sustainable pest management solutions to maintain productivity while complying with environmental standards.
Labor Shortages and Workforce Challenges
The human factor remains one of the sector’s greatest obstacles. Seasonal harvests require a flexible yet stable workforce, yet labor shortages have led to export losses exceeding 15% for crops like blueberries and raspberries. Low worker motivation and a lack of incentives for young people to take on part-time jobs exacerbate the problem. Additionally, improving housing conditions for seasonal workers could help attract and retain a reliable workforce.
A Sector at a Turning Point
Morocco’s berry industry is at a crossroads: while its growth potential is undeniable, the challenges are growing. To secure long-term success, industry players must embrace innovation, strengthen local plant production, and develop resilient farming techniques that withstand climate fluctuations. These strategic moves will not only help navigate current difficulties but also position Morocco as a global leader in high-quality berry production. Although complex, this transformation presents an opportunity to sustain and enhance a key sector for both the Moroccan and European economies.
Want to stay ahead of industry trends and gain exclusive data on the sector’s future? Join us at MBC 2025, where experts and key players will provide cutting-edge insights into overcoming these challenges. Partnership opportunities are now available.
