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Morocco faces tomato supply challenges ahead of Ramadan
Vegetable growers in southern Morocco are bracing for a tough winter season, as the impact of last summer’s extreme weather conditions becomes evident in current yields. Farmers in the Souss Massa region, one of Morocco's most vital agricultural areas, are witnessing weakened plant resilience and struggling with a shortage of suitable seedlings, dampening expectations for the 2026 growing season.
Agadir-based grower Amine Amanatoullah, as reported by FreshPlaza, highlighted that while late-season domestic production has temporarily stabilized markets, the situation remains precarious. Farmers warn that this balance could shift rapidly in the coming weeks. Unlike previous years, no coordinated response has been implemented to address the challenges, leaving farmers to adapt individually, often with limited resources.
The scarcity of resistant varieties has exacerbated the problem, with available biological treatments proving insufficient to protect crops. Regulatory changes in Morocco and Europe have also restricted access to plant protection products, further complicating disease control and yield stability.
Among the hardest-hit crops are peppers and tomatoes. Bell pepper prices have already soared, while tomatoes, despite moderate export volumes, are commanding higher prices locally. Flooding in the Dakhla area has further disrupted production, particularly of segmented tomato varieties, which typically serve as a buffer when standard supplies dwindle.
The situation is expected to worsen as demand intensifies in February, coinciding with Ramadan, a period of heightened food consumption. Memories of 2023, when authorities intervened to regulate tomato exports, linger in the minds of both farmers and consumers. Additionally, the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, set to take place between December and January, may contribute to increased domestic demand.
With no reliance on imports to offset shortages, local supplies are likely to tighten further. If production continues to lag, authorities may need to consider measures to stabilize the market and protect national interests.