Several factors are putting Moroccan producers in difficulty, suggesting a likely decline in export volumes of some products, according to Mr. Yassine Tlati of the Moroccan exporter Aitr Zohour.
"In peppers, for example, we are facing a fall of blossoms because of the temperature. Volumes could drop by up to 40%. Also, it is known that many tomato producers are having difficulties because of the ToBRFV virus," announces Mr. Tlati.
The constant drought also continues to affect Moroccan production; Mr. Tlati explains: "In terms of irrigation, in the region of Chtouka (near Agadir), we have reached 250 meters deep digging wells. This problem is less acute in Taroudant, where the water is more abundant. We used to produce watermelons, but because of the drought, there is no watermelon in our calendars this year".
He adds: "We also are suffering from the problem of transportation costs. The cost of transporting a 40-foot container from Morocco to England has increased by more than 6000 euros since the pandemic."
The producer is impatient for a return to the usual business: "We have several assets, our workforce is very qualified and well trained, enjoying a very good technicality. This has spared us, for example, the damage of toBRFV and allowed us to save our tomato season. We are waiting for a return to calm in the international markets to ease our costs."
Aitr Zohour exports to France and England, and Mr. Tlati is satisfied with this collaboration: "For our current calendar of peppers and tomatoes, we started production in September and have already received orders for 40% of our volumes. We anticipate selling all our volumes for the season. The English market is very satisfactory, and we will continue to supply it, although the specifications are quite complicated".
"It is a market that shows great stability. We will eventually increase our prices because of the increase in transport and input costs, but our prices remain competitive in England despite inflation," concludes Mr. Tlati.
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com
