Moroccan Avocado Exports Surge Amid Growing Water Concerns

Morocco’s avocado exports have experienced a significant uptick, despite mounting concerns over water usage in the country’s agriculture sector. Since the introduction of the Hass variety in the third week of October, Moroccan exporters have shipped 30,000 tons of avocados—accounting for one-third of the season's expected export volume, according to Abdellah El Yamlahi, President of the Moroccan Avocado Association.

This export figure already represents 50% of last season's total, indicating a strong demand from European markets. El Yamlahi highlighted the opportunity Morocco seized after a slow start, during a period with minimal competition from Peru. He noted that the Hass variety, particularly sizes 12-20, remains a top choice in Europe.

Despite an early dip in prices, attributed to high local production and fierce competition, El Yamlahi predicts that prices will recover after the New Year holidays. He expects the market to stabilize by mid-January as demand strengthens. Morocco’s avocado production has significantly expanded this season, with estimates ranging from 90,000 tons to potentially 100,000 tons, up from 60,000 tons last year. However, this growth raises concerns about the sustainability of the practice, particularly regarding water consumption.

The country’s water scarcity is a pressing issue, with dams currently operating at less than 30% capacity, exacerbating concerns over the environmental impact of water-intensive crops like avocados. While avocado farming is thriving in Morocco’s North along the Atlantic coast, the increased demand for water to irrigate avocado orchards places additional strain on the country’s limited water resources.

Experts warn that Morocco must find a balance between expanding agricultural production and conserving water. As climate change and drought continue to pose challenges, the environmental costs of agricultural expansion are becoming increasingly clear. The rise in avocado exports, while economically beneficial, is contributing to the depletion of vital water resources—resources that are already under significant stress.

Moving forward, Morocco’s agricultural sector will need to adopt more water-efficient techniques to sustain its growth without further jeopardizing its water supply. Finding alternative crops that are less reliant on water will also be critical. The future of both Morocco’s avocado industry and its agricultural sector as a whole depends on addressing these environmental challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability.