Exceptional Olive Harvest Expected in Northern Morocco
The olive harvest in northern Morocco is anticipated to be exceptionally abundant in 2026, driven by favorable rainfall and the introduction of new olive plantations. Farmers in regions such as Ksar El Kébir, Ouezzane, and Chefchaouen are optimistic about a significant increase in production, following several years of drought and declining yields. Preliminary estimates suggest that olive production could surge by 40 to 80%, benefiting both rain-fed and irrigated olive trees in these areas.
Market Implications and Quality Improvements
This upcoming harvest not only promises an increase in volume but also hints at the potential stabilization of olive oil prices. In particular, the price of olive oil in Ouezzane is expected to remain below 35 dirhams per liter, a notable decrease from the previous season's peak price of over 70 dirhams. The abundance of olives, whether from older trees or newly planted ones, is set to enhance the quality of local olive oil. Farmers in Ain Beida, near Ouezzane and Chefchaouen, are gearing up for the harvest, which typically begins after mid-October. This year's harvest is particularly exciting, as many farmers report a remarkable increase in production, continuing the trend of high oil yields from the previous season, bolstered by the first harvest of younger olive trees that now account for nearly 75% of the cultivated land in Ouezzane and Chefchaouen.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
