The heatwaves that hit Morocco this summer had a particularly severe impact on the Gharb and Loukkos regions, where many fruits and vegetables, including avocados and berries, are grown. According to several industry sources, blueberries were among the most affected fruits, second to avocados.

Youssef Aznou, a soft fruit grower based in Larache, shares, “We experienced two intense heatwaves, the first in June and the second in August. The August heatwave had the greatest impact on blueberry cultivation, with temperatures reaching 43 degrees at a critical stage of fruit development. The heat scorched trees’ apex, resulting in yield losses and harvesting delays.”

© Amine

According to Aznou, producers in the region’s inner areas have been hit hardest, while those located near the Atlantic Ocean have suffered virtually no losses. He adds: “Vast plantations remain affected in Laaouamra, Lalla Mimouna, and other areas.”

Although it is still too early to estimate the volume losses, the grower indicates that they will be no less than 20% of the expected yield in his location, referencing reports exchanged between growers in the region. Yield losses add to the increase in production costs, particularly for fertigation, announcing higher prices according to Aznou.

The first harvests, initially scheduled for December, will be delayed due to weather conditions. Aznou says, “The situation will now depend on the arrival of cold temperatures. If we have enough warm days, we may be able to harvest in late December or early January, but if the cold weather arrives earlier, the delay will be longer.”

Amine Bennani, president of the red fruit association, remains cautious about the figures relating to yield losses. He states: “It is still too early to provide estimates, especially at a national scale. Blueberries are now being cultivated in almost every region of Morocco, including areas that are unaffected, such as Agadir, where the greenhouses are more advanced and account for a significant proportion of production.”

Regarding the launch of the campaign, the growers’ representative says: “It is also too early to predict the season launch. There will certainly be a shift in the start of production, but it remains difficult to pinpoint, as there has been no flowering yet. We are not out of the woods yet, as we are apprehensive about an expected heatwave in September, which could further complicate matters. It could also just be the case that everything will go well in terms of weather, and the delay will not exceed two weeks.”

For more information:
Youssef Aznou
Weloveberries
Tel: +212 707-977377
Email: [email protected]

Amine Bennani
Moroccan Association of Soft Fruit Growers
Tel : +212661243424
Email: [email protected]